Aibu to think energy drinks should be age restricted

[mermaidsandunicorns]

I work for a supermarket who doesn't restrict who we sell energy drinks to

I want to petition nag the hell out of head office to make them not allow us to sell energy drinks to kids. I would never allow my kids to drink this stuff and yet I frequently sell it to kids who are my own kids age and it's awful.
Or maybe the law should change
I'm
Interested in all your views on this

Good point about the marketing

Monster sponsor water sports, racing, skateboarding etc etc
Red bull sponsor car racing, box racing etc etc
All events my kids would watch quite happily

Nhs guidelines keep saying they are a problem 'with alcohol'

Kids aren't consuming alcohol here

No

The report stated that risk were especially when they were mixed with alcohol

The risks in the WHO report were, amongst others

The researchers state that the health risks associated with energy drink consumption are primarily related to their caffeine content.
Potential risks associated with energy drink consumption include:
• caffeine overdose (which can lead to a number of symptoms, including palpitationss, high blood pressuree, nausea and vomitingg_, convulsions and, in some cases, even death)
• type 2 diabetess_ – as high consumption of caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity
• late miscarriagess, low birthweight and stillbirthss in pregnant women
• neurological and cardiovascular system effects in children and adolescents
• sensation-seeking behaviour
• use and dependence on other harmful substances
• poor dental health
• somewhat ironically, given their association with sportiness, obesityy_

I thought they were already restricted?

I think they should be age restricted.

And do you remember, when Red Bull first came out, it had a 'do not mix with alcohol' warning on it. Red Bull cocktails became popular, and the warning disappeared. I haven't touched the stuff in years, so I don't know if it (or any other energy drink) has any age or alcohol warnings on the label.

I have an energy drink. Very rarely, and usually when I'm feeling spectacularly sluggish and need to keep going. (I dont drink coffee).

Legalities aside though. Word of warning. My BIL works nights and used to prop himself up on them. He started getting poorly and ended up at the GPs. GP told him it was the energy drink making him ill and he had to stop asap. To be fair he was drinking excessive amounts. But it makes you think when it can even take it's toll on a grown man who's over six foot and stocky. Imagine what if could do to a kid.

This is my point awaywith

I think people are not being educated enough to the dangers of these drinks
They are too cheaply available and are marketed specifically at kids and Retailers are not doing enough to restrict the sales of them to kids

I feel that kids over 16 are big and ugly enough to make sensible choices for themselves

I wouldn't want a shop serving my 9 year old an energy drink if he went in and chose it

Totally agree OP. I've really screwed myself up with these in the past - eventually you can't function without them and they're also very dehydrating and affect appetite, so bad all round for health - especially for kids

They're one trend I have never understood - they all taste horrible, and are spectacularly unhealthy - definitely should be restricted in the case of youngsters.

I couldn't agree more. I am a primary school teacher. We regularly have children as young as 6 turning up at school drinking these.
These children are impossible to teach, complain of headaches and are dead on their feet by break time.
They can be bought at the local shop for 39p or three cans for £1.
Clearly some parents need educating about their effects and dangers.

Coffee doesn't appeal to children in the same way that these sugary, fizzy drinks so are much less of a problem.

Coffee doesn't appeal to children in the same way that these sugary, fizzy drinks so are much less of a problem.

I wouldn't bank on it. The reason I dont like coffee is because my Dads coffee appealed to me. I climbed up on the stools at the kitchen island to nick taste it as it appealed to me, I haven't been able to stand it since.

Yes, because once you've tried it it's not appealing to most six year olds. Energy drinks are designed to be sweet and fizzy so the fascination doesn't end with sneaking a drink like it does with coffee.

or grandmas gin as I have once took a swig of