Research published in January this year found that energy drinks consumed by children are associated with a wide range of risks, including physical health issues such as dental cavities and insulin resistance, as well as mental health problems, including an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression.

Approximately one in three young people in the UK report regularly drinking energy drinks, making them one of the largest consumers in Europe for their age group.

Professor Amelia Lake, the lead author of the study, stated that in some cases, these drinks are sold to children cheaper than water and juices.

"These drinks are not for children", she says. "Not only do they contain large amounts of caffeine, which can increase heart rate and lead to cardiovascular problems, but they also contain additives, some of which we know very little about their potential harm to our bodies".

Professor Lake's initial review from 2018 noted a long list of physical problems associated with the consumption of energy drinks, from headaches and stomach aches to dental and gastrointestinal issues, as well as cardiovascular problems.

"When we repeated this analysis, publishing the results in January this year, we also observed a huge impact on mental health", she explains. "Children suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, depressive symptoms, psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. The problems are extensive".

Jane's son, George, was 10 years old when he started consuming energy drinks. She says many of his friends drank them, just like Coca-Cola, and while she knew it wasn't the healthiest choice, she didn't see a major risk.

"I thought that if I stopped him, he would start stealing them", Jane says. "At least this way, I had control. Honestly, I had no idea what was in the drinks. I knew there was sugar and caffeine, but I didn't think they were at levels that could make him sick".

Jane says George drank two to three cans a week until June last year when he started feeling unwell. "He often complained of stomach aches, headaches and frequently fainted. I didn't even think about the drinks", she recalls. "But shortly after we arrived at A&E, a doctor asked if he vaped or consumed energy drinks. I said he drank a few drinks a week".

George was kept in the hospital overnight for observation before being discharged, and since then, he hasn't touched an energy drink.

"It was a wake-up call for us", says Jane. "When I explained it to him, George was happy to give them up and told all his friends to stop as well. His health has improved, he no longer faints and he sleeps better. I'm relieved he didn't suffer any lasting consequences".

Professor Lake's research found that drinking energy drinks is more common among boys than girls and is associated with risky behaviors and substance use, as well as poor academic performance, poor sleep quality and unhealthy eating habits.

Clare Ford, a high school tutor and founder of the organization Switched On!, says that many teenagers stay up late and use energy drinks to try to wake up in the morning.

"Drinks like Monster and Red Bull are popular among teenagers because students often stay up late due to gaming or studying and then find it hard to wake up the next day and study", she says.

"Even if they think this is a quick fix, it's not, because their energy levels fluctuate drastically throughout the day, affecting their concentration and information retention".

This resonates with Jennie*, who says her son, James*, 14, suffered from mood swings and energy crashes in the afternoon after becoming addicted to energy drinks. She says he also became aggressive.

James was only 12 when he started asking for drinks, including Monster and Red Bull.

"James started buying energy drinks on his way home from school two years ago", recalls Jennie, 45, a full-time mom living in Devon with her 47-year-old husband and their 12-year-old daughter.

"I wasn't too worried at first. He had just started secondary school, and I thought it was good for him to have a bit of independence. I didn't think it was worse than eating sweets, and frankly, I was relieved he wasn't smoking", she says.

When confronted, it became clear that he was addicted. "He's very upset about it, but I hope as he quits the drinks, he'll go back to being the caring boy I always loved".

Tutor Clare says that adults also have a role to play. "Are we, as adults, parents and teachers, actually a role model in terms of drinking plenty of water throughout the day?", she asks.

"Many primary school teachers drink coffee or tea in class, and many adults drink cans of fizzy drinks or energy drinks in front of their children. It's hard to ask them to do something we might not be prepared to do ourselves".

Professor Lake says that things need to change – and soon.

"We don't know why, but the evidence regarding the harm they cause is clear", she says. "We need to take action now to protect our children from these risks".