Soft Drinks and Violence? - The Paleo Network

I was interested to hear about a study linking consumption of non-diet soft drinks with violence in teenagers. The study found teenagers who drank soft drinks frequently were 9 – 15% more likely to engage in violent activities, than those who were not frequent drinkers. Almost one in three pupils in the study group of 1,878 drank over five cans of soft drink a week. And if that's one in three, presumably many of the people in the study group must get the majority of their hydration from soft drinks.

This was an observational study, so perhaps the ingredients in the soft drink caused the anti-social behaviour in those who consumed it; or perhaps the anti-social behaviour lead to those teenagers drinking more soft drinks?

But surely with such a high correlation, it has to be beneficial to prevent soft drinks being so accessible to teens? Even more of a problem seems to be the prevalence of energy drinks that seem especially popular with young people. I'd love to see some studies into the effects of these chemically laden drinks.

The Rising Popularity of Energy Drinks Among Teens

While traditional soft drinks like cola have long been a concern for their sugar content and artificial additives, the more recent surge in energy drink consumption among teens may be even more alarming. Marketed with flashy branding and promises of improved performance, focus, and stamina, these drinks are increasingly targeted at adolescents and young adults. Yet, they often contain extremely high doses of caffeine, stimulants, artificial sweeteners, synthetic vitamins, and preservatives — a volatile cocktail for a still-developing body and brain.

Some popular brands contain over 150mg of caffeine per serve — equivalent to more than two cups of strong coffee — with some “extreme” versions exceeding 300mg. Combined with sugar, guarana, taurine, and other synthetic compounds, the stimulating effect on the central nervous system can be profound. For teens, who are more vulnerable to disrupted sleep, anxiety, and hormonal imbalance, regular energy drink consumption may lead to more than just restlessness — it may exacerbate aggressive tendencies, impair focus in school, and contribute to emotional dysregulation.

Potential Behavioural and Neurological Effects

There’s a growing body of evidence that links high sugar consumption and excessive caffeine intake to mood swings, irritability, and reduced cognitive performance. In the context of soft drinks and energy drinks, where sugar and caffeine often co-exist, the neurochemical rollercoaster can be intense. Blood sugar spikes followed by crashes can cause irritability and fatigue, while overstimulation from caffeine can lead to jitteriness, restlessness, and even impulsivity.

Given the teenage brain is still developing, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation and decision-making, these dietary stressors can have amplified effects. When combined with other modern stressors — social media, lack of sleep, academic pressure — the impact of these beverages could contribute to an overall decline in mental wellbeing and behavioural stability.

Marketing to Young People: A Silent Epidemic?

Energy drink marketing is often embedded within the lifestyle and interests of young people. Sponsorships of extreme sports, video gaming events, and online influencers make these products aspirational and socially relevant. The packaging and naming of these drinks often implies rebellion, power, and performance — themes that resonate strongly with adolescents navigating identity and independence.

This marketing strategy, combined with minimal regulation, means energy and soft drinks are not only normalised but are often positioned as “cool” essentials. With corner shops and vending machines offering two-for-one deals and aggressive branding, many teens develop a daily habit without even recognising the potential consequences.

Health Consequences Beyond Behaviour

Aside from behavioural links, the physical health implications of regular soft drink and energy drink consumption in teenagers are significant. These include:

Increased risk of type 2 diabetes: Due to high levels of added sugar and resulting insulin spikes.
Obesity and metabolic syndrome: Especially when paired with a sedentary lifestyle and ultra-processed food intake.
Dental erosion: Caused by both sugar and acidic ingredients.
High blood pressure and heart palpitations: From excessive caffeine and stimulants.
Sleep disturbances: Disrupting circadian rhythms and impairing recovery and mood stability.

These effects are concerning at any age, but they’re particularly harmful during adolescence — a period where long-term habits are formed and future health trajectories are shaped.

The Role of Parents, Schools, and Policy

Given the strong correlation between soft drink consumption and negative behavioural and health outcomes, there’s a clear need for proactive intervention. Here are some strategies that can help reduce teenage dependence on soft and energy drinks:

Parental education: Encourage families to remove sugary drinks from the home and model healthy alternatives like infused water, sparkling mineral water or herbal teas.
School policy reform: Ban the sale of soft and energy drinks in school canteens and vending machines, replacing them with clean hydration options.
Public awareness campaigns: Use social media, schools and healthcare networks to educate teens on the risks associated with these drinks.
Labelling laws: Mandate clearer warnings about caffeine and sugar content, especially for energy drinks marketed to minors.
Access restrictions: Consider age limits or stricter sales policies, similar to those for cigarettes or alcohol, for high-caffeine energy drinks.

Encouraging Better Habits Through Paleo Principles

The Paleo approach offers teens a clear and consistent alternative: real hydration and real food. By promoting filtered water, herbal teas, fresh juices (in moderation), and home-brewed kombucha (with minimal sugar), we can reframe what hydration means and how it supports physical and mental wellbeing.

Teens who eat a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and fibre will naturally experience better blood sugar stability, mood regulation and energy levels — reducing the perceived “need” for quick fixes like caffeine and sugar. Helping them understand this connection can empower healthier choices that last beyond adolescence.

Empowering Young People with Information

Ultimately, most teens don’t respond well to restriction alone — they thrive on autonomy and understanding. Offering them clear, respectful information about the consequences of energy and soft drinks, and showing them how to create healthier alternatives, is a far more effective strategy than bans or lectures.

For example, introducing teenagers to Paleo-friendly protein smoothies, homemade iced teas, or naturally flavoured sparkling water gives them tools to replace the bad with something equally satisfying. Involving them in the process — making drinks at home, trying recipes together — helps build buy-in and curiosity.

A Community-Level Conversation

This isn’t just a parenting issue — it’s a community-wide concern. Teachers, coaches, health professionals, and even older peers have a role to play in shifting the cultural norm around what we drink. By speaking openly about the links between food, mood, and long-term health, we can help the next generation make empowered decisions that support, rather than sabotage, their wellbeing.

Limit Soft Drinks?

Do you think teenagers should be given a free rein, or should soft drinks consumption be limited somehow?