The British government plans to ban the sale of highly caffeinated energy drinks to under-16s from April next year. The ban should affect drinks with a caffeine content of more than 150 milligrams per liter. It should apply to sales in stores, at vending machines and on the Internet. However, Parliament still has to approve the project.

According to the government, the ban is intended to provide greater protection for children’s health and well-being. In England The government said that around 100,000 children would consume such drinks every day. The side effects include sleep disorders, anxiety and concentration problems.

The measure is the latest in a series of steps by outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to curb risks to children and young people.

The UK also plans to ban access to social media for under 16s and introduce standard nightly social media blackout times for 16 and 17 year olds. The government justified the restrictions by saying they would improve young people’s health, sleep and well-being.