The government has announced plans to consult on banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under 16s due to negative impacts on children's physical and mental health.

The plans would stop retailers from selling the drinks to children which could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.

Around 100,000 children are consuming at least one high caffeine energy drink every day.

Evidence suggests that these drinks can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety and lead to poor concentration and reduced educational outcomes.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: "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?

"Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity.

"As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.

"By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come."

The plans would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers, including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "Through our Plan for Change, we are determined to give every child the opportunities they deserve and the best start in life.

"This government inherited a scourge of poor classroom behaviour that undermines the learning of too many children – partly driven by the harmful effects of caffeine loaded drinks – and today’s announcement is another step forward in addressing that legacy.

"It goes hand-in-hand with our work to address the root causes of poor behaviour with targeted support to hundreds of struggling schools, access to a specialist mental health professional in every school and updated school food standards so children have access to healthy food and drink options during the school day."