L'Inghilterra proibirà la vendita di bevande energetiche ai minori di 16 anni l'anno prossimo - l'Irlanda seguirà l'esempio?

The European Union is reportedly considering imposing a minimum age requirement of 13 years for accessing social media platforms, a move described as “social media is not a toy.” This potential regulation has sparked discussions among policymakers and public health officials, emphasizing the need for greater oversight over digital content exposure for young users. While the exact implementation date and scope remain unclear, the initiative reflects growing concern over the impact of social media on adolescent mental health and well-being. The push for stricter regulations follows broader global efforts to address the risks associated with early and prolonged exposure to online platforms. In parallel, the United Kingdom has taken steps to limit access to high-caffeine energy drinks for minors, setting a precedent that could influence similar policies within the EU. The UK government announced plans to ban the sale of energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to individuals under 16 starting in April 2027. This decision came after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including public health organizations and industry representatives, who expressed strong support for the measure. According to the European Food Safety Authority, energy drinks are defined as non-alcoholic beverages containing caffeine, taurine, vitamins, and other stimulants such as guarana and ginseng. The authority recommends a safe caffeine intake of 3mg per kilogram of body weight per day for all age groups. A 2013 report by the EFSA revealed that 68% of European adolescents aged 10–18 consumed energy drinks, with 12% consuming them daily. These findings have fueled calls for tighter controls on the availability and marketing of such products, particularly among younger populations. In Ireland, political parties including Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have pledged to explore restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including a potential ban on sales to children. A bill introduced by Senator Sharon Keogan last year sought to prohibit the sale of high-caffeine stimulant drinks to individuals under 18. The Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025 also aimed to regulate advertising targeting children and require health warnings on packaging. However, the legislation faced delays in late 2025 when the government agreed to introduce a timed amendment, effectively pausing the ban for at least 18 months to allow further research into public health concerns. The Department of Health in Ireland has stated that any proposal to restrict the sale of energy drinks to children ultimately aims to safeguard public health. The department emphasized that implementing such measures would entail both public health benefits and challenges, including shifts in consumer behavior and necessary regulatory adjustments. Officials noted that thorough analysis and stakeholder input are crucial for developing balanced and effective policies. Currently, Safefood is conducting an evidence-based review on the subject, with the Department of Health expecting the findings to be submitted in the coming months. Once received, the department will evaluate the data and determine the appropriate course of action. This process underscores the complexity of balancing public health interests with commercial and consumer considerations. As discussions around age restrictions for social media and energy drink regulations continue, policymakers face the challenge of addressing emerging health concerns while ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain practical and enforceable. The outcomes of these reviews may shape future legislative actions, influencing how governments approach the intersection of technology, health, and youth protection.