Bridgetown, WA bans sale of energy drinks to under 18s in mental health research project
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The Australian town where energy drinks are treated the same as smoking: Children under 18 are BANNED from buying the popular drinks as calls mount to spread the ban across the country
- Small WA town of Bridgetown bans energy drinks for four months
- The ban is part of a health project, run by the children’s research body.
- Speculation that the findings could lead to a national under-18 ban.
An Australian city has banned the sale of energy drinks to those under 18 in an effort to curb “anti-social behaviour” and improve mental health, but teens aren’t impressed.
The wildly popular drinks are not being sold to anyone 17 and under in any major stores in Bridgetown, a small town three hours south of Perth, during a four-month trial.
The ban is part of a research project by the Telethon Kids Institute, which could help lawmakers explore a nationwide ban on energy drinks for people under 18.
GP Sarah Youngson suspects that energy drinks could be linked to some antisocial behavior in young people
Bridgetown cafe owner Laurel Keenan said she would uphold the ban by treating energy drinks the same as cigarettes.
She will ask for identification before selling them and if the buyer is under 18, they will be denied service, the abc informed.
GP Sarah Youngson, who supports the ban, said her work with patients showed that increased anxiety and insomnia in young people is linked to energy drink use.
Now, Dr. Youngson suspects that the drinks could be responsible for other behaviors as well.
“It came to my attention that there were some problems in the city with anti-social behaviour, young people being a bit impulsive and a bit erratic,” he said.
An Australian city has banned the sale of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 18 in an effort to curb “anti-social behaviour” and improve mental health.
The ban did not impress local Bridgetown, WA teens and youth.
Local teenagers and youth were not impressed by the ban.
“I’m not mad about it, but I’m not super happy either,” said a teenager.
‘Personally, it’s not the best for me,’ said a young man.
On social networks, young people also reacted negatively.
‘Really Bridgetown!? I’m glad I’m over 18 and glad I moved!’ wrote a woman on Facebook.
‘Very funny! PS: It’s not energy drinks that do [causing mental health issues]!’
The researchers will study the behavior of school-age children through surveys with students, parents, and outlets before and after the ban period.
Prolonged use of energy drinks is already believed to have a potentially negative impact on physical health.
These include affecting the heart and cardiovascular system and causing high blood pressure.