{
  "abstract": "Background Energy drink (ED) consumption among children and young people (CYP) in the UK is rising rapidly, with those aged 10-17 identified as the highest consumers. Recent data suggest that over 30% of UK youth consume EDs weekly. Despite voluntary bans introduced by major retailers in 2018, EDs remain widely accessible to under-18s, raising concerns about their impact on physical and psychological health, educational outcomes, and engagement in health-compromising behaviours. This study explores CYP’s perceptions of EDs post-voluntary ban and investigates consumption patterns, access, and influences.Methods A mixed methods design was used, conducted across two primary/two secondary schools in the Tees Valley region of North East England. Eight semi-structured focus groups were held with students in Years 5 and 6, ((ages 9-11 years old, (n=38)) and Year 9, (ages 13-14 years old (n=12)), exploring perceptions of, and access to, EDs. A self-report online questionnaire was completed by Year 9 (age 13-14 years, (n=22)) students to assess consumption frequency, purchasing behaviours, and influencing factors. Four young people (aged 14-18 years) co-developed the research tools and refined the questionnaire.Results Findings revealed an understanding of EDs among CYP in the Tees Valley region. Survey data showed that 81.8% of participants consumed EDs, with higher consumption rates among males. Most reported drinking EDs 2-4 times per week. Focus groups highlighted multiple influences on consumption, including marketing strategies, brand appeal, peer and family influence. Participants demonstrated awareness of both perceived benefits and risks, including energy boosts and negative health effects.Conclusion This study underscores the complexity of ED consumption among young people, shaped by a web of social, commercial, and individual factors. Despite the 2018 voluntary ban, EDs remain easily accessible, and consumption is widespread. This reinforces the need for robust policy action, such as the on-going proposed legal ban on high-caffeine EDs for under-16s in England.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Amelia Lake"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Grace Stewart"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Helen Moore"
    }
  ],
  "title": "OP04 A mixed method exploration of children and young people’s perception and consumption of energy drinks",
  "uid": "e37077cf-74c2-55b8-a0b9-22ed775eacff"
}