It comes as research from Teesside University in Newcastle found energy drinks are leading to behavioural problems such as drug taking and unsafe sex among young people.
Dr Orsmond said the drinks are “obviously very harmful” for young people.
“Children are looking for a quick energy boost, but this will eventually fragment their sleep,” she said.
“They are putting themselves into a vicious circle, where they get hyperactive but at the same time, they can’t concentrate on school tasks.
“Children are not getting used to this type of sugary drink and it’s deviating their diet to the point they don’t like normal foods anymore.
“I think we should be thinking about [banning them] because obviously they are very harmful."
Development
Dr Orsmond said there are also development concerns associated with the regular consumption of energy drinks.
“It impacts on school performance, normal development and growth," she said.
“It will also affect your mental health because you are tired and stressed out because you can’t perform - and you’re becoming anxious because of it.
“There are a lot of things together here and it’s very difficult to know if it’s only these energy drinks creating the problem or a combination of multiple things put together.”
Water
Dr Orsmond said people should be drinking more water instead.
“We need to ask ourselves why we are not drinking water and why we are making our taste buds want more and more sugar,” she said.
“These [energy] drinks are very popular, as you can see by how many rows of them are for sale at petrol stations and other shops."
Concern has also been raised in recent months over energy drinks becoming a status symbol for young people.
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Main image: A selection of energy drinks in a shop. Image: Richard Levine / Alamy Stock Photo
