I don't want to sound pedantic or smug, but I think maybe coca-cola should be banned for children too. Perhaps not illegal but just not for sale for children. I think social media should be similar. 16+ at least
In addition, the parents, rather than the state, should also have greater responsibility for what junk foods a child can have access to consume.
I’d rather govt (which has many channels for advocacy even if flawed) influence choices than corporations completely control the panopticon of choices (where small time spenders have very little consumer power).
But we’re not far apart. As you mention schools (of the state) are a good place to start.
On the one hand it strikes me as being kind of silly, because those same kids could buy a coffee/iced coffee with just as much sugar and often even more caffeine in it just fine.
On the other hand I do see how the differing marketing/pricing on each product means you can't treat them as equivalent. Probably a good case for voluntary age restrictions by retailers rather than actual laws.
> those same kids could buy a coffee/iced coffee with just as much sugar and often even more caffeine in it just fine.
is accurate? Weak energy drinks, or supremely sugary caffeine-rich coffee down there?
285mg of caffeine in a 300ml bottle. Energy drinks are already regulated to max out at 320mg per litre (so that would be 96 mg max in a 300ml bottle, I guess "weak energy drinks" would be the answer to your question).
Although that does have less sugar - 6.5g per 100ml compared to the 11g per 100ml in Red Bull.
Now I'm curious about what qualifies as an energy drink, I guess it must be based on marketing?