The British government plans to ban under 16s from buying energy drinks amid concerns about the impact of the high-caffeine drinks on children's health.

A proposed new law would prohibit them from purchasing drinks from shops, restaurants, cafes, vending machines and online, the BBC reports.

Some of the drinks hold more caffeine than two cups of coffee, and have been linked to sleep and behavioural problems.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said concerns about children's educational performance and health were behind the move.

"How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis," he said.

The UK government says research shows 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy

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