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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Monster for under 16s?

37 replies

Fatiguedwithlife · 15/05/2026 17:54

DS is in year 7 and is DESPERATE to try monster (the energy drink).
I know a couple of his friends have it but it’s something I’m really not keen on letting him do.
I said I’d ask the Hive what their consensus is.

YABU - let him try it, it’s fine
YANBU - make him wait til he’s a lot older

OP posts:
DavidStopActingLikeADisgruntledPelican · 15/05/2026 18:24

I wouldn’t be letting him, no. But be bear in mind, while places like Tesco, Sainsbury’s etc won’t sell energy drinks to under 16s, many independent corner shops will so he might just buy them himself.

I’m not a strict mum, or someone who worries all that much about food and drink always having to be healthy and nutritious but I had always banned my kids from having energy drinks. My eldest has definitely tried them. Luckily she hates them. Fingers crossed the rest feel the same.

Fatiguedwithlife · 15/05/2026 18:22

I’m hoping if he holds out to 16/17/18 he’ll think they’re gross (DD1 did that and doesn’t see the appeal now).
Glad I’m not the only one thinking this, was starting to think I might be overreacting

OP posts:
Smartiepants79 · 15/05/2026 18:11

Government is in the process of banning the sale of them for under 16s. They can be petty damaging. My 15 isn’t allowed to buy them with my money or in my presence! Can’t promise what she does when I’m not watching…..
Also, they are rank.

AlexaStopAlexaNo · 15/05/2026 18:08

Give him some but dose it up with vinegar or something first. He won’t want it again.

Fatiguedwithlife · 15/05/2026 18:06

Yes he has coffee with his dad sometimes 🙄

OP posts:
MigGirl · 15/05/2026 18:03

Do you let him drink coffee?

Would you let him drink brewed coffee not instant with about 50gms of sugar added to it and colourings?

I won't drink the stuff, I certainly don't let DS year 10 drink it and DD has tried it more recently but she's 18 and I now have no control over what she does. She knows what's in it though and her friends say she's more hyper after a energy drink then on alcohol. So gives you an idea of how people react to them.

Fatiguedwithlife · 15/05/2026 18:02

He’s had sips of beer/ cider etc I’m not precious about alcohol as I’d like him to have a healthy relationship with booze as it’s a part of (most people’s) adult life.

I just don’t like the idea of the chemical cocktail that energy drinks are.

OP posts:
Amilliondreamsisallitagonnatake · 15/05/2026 17:58

The answer would be no the same as if they asked for alcohol

FourEyesGood · 15/05/2026 17:58

Show him this image.

Monster for under 16s?
Sirzy · 15/05/2026 17:56

There is no need for a child so young to be drinking energy drinks. There are no benefits and a hell of a lot of risks!

Iloveeverycat · 15/05/2026 17:56

That's why in a lot of stores it is age restricted to 16 year old. We have to ask for ID if they look under 25 and have to have a provisional licence.

ThatNattyPlayer · 15/05/2026 17:55

I wouldn’t
my husband is addicted to it and he’s got really high blood pressure now, my teen daughter said kids at her school are drinking 2/3 cans a day because of how “nice” it is

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