# Italian teen health issues: energy drinks, digital addiction

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-teen-health-issues-energy-drinks-digital-addiction
> Updated: 2026-07-28T22:10:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

An July 12 health report highlighted a broad increase in snack and energy‑drink consumption across Italy, raising concerns about youth dietary habits.

A follow‑up study released on July 28 detailed the scope of the problem among adolescents. It found that 65% of Italian teens have tried energy drinks, with 39.2% starting before age 12, and linked frequent use to cardiovascular and neurological risks. Concurrently, research documented high levels of digital dependence: 49.2% of teens exhibited strong smartphone reliance, 41% showed video‑game dependence, and 25% reported problematic social‑media use. Pediatric and psychiatric experts warned that these combined behavioural addictions pose serious health threats and are difficult for families to detect.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-28: Rising digital and energy‑drink addictions among Italian teens

Italian studies find teen digital dependence and early energy‑drink use rising, with half showing high smartphone addiction and many beginning caffeinated drinks before age 12, sparking health concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rising-digital-and-energydrink-addictions-among-italian-teens

### 2026-07-12: Italy's health report flags widespread snack and energy‑drink consumption

A Coldiretti‑Censis report shows 45 % of Italians and 61 % of youths eat salty snacks weekly, with high use of sweets, pastries, protein bars and energy drinks; 97 % stress healthy eating, and many seek clearer

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italys-health-report-flags-widespread-snack-and-energydrink-consumption

---
Cite as: Italian teen health issues: energy drinks, digital addiction. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-teen-health-issues-energy-drinks-digital-addiction