The most recent South Australian Population Health Survey data, released in 2025, shows a 5.7 per cent decline in children aged 10-14 drinking sugary soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks on a daily basis.
The report also indicated a 1.7 per cent decrease in daily sugary drink consumption among teens (15-17 years) compared to the previous year.
Cancer Council SA’s Senior Manager Prevention Christine Morris said these trends were encouraging as daily intake of sugary beverages in early childhood is strongly linked with greater intake in later childhood.
“When consumed regularly from a young age, sweet drinks and their sugar-free versions can lead to tooth decay in the short term and health problems later in life, including gestational and type 2 diabetes, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, heart disease and obesity-related cancers,” Christine said.
“It’s fantastic that kids are consuming fewer sugary drinks, but what we are noticing is that more children are replacing them with sugar-free alternatives instead of choosing healthier options like water and milk which provide essential nutrients for children during a peak time of growth and development.”
Data shows that consumption of sugar-free drinks has increased among children aged 10-14 years, with 18.4 per cent drinking them daily in 2024 compared to 11.9 per cent in 2023 (an increase of 6.5 per cent).
Last week, Cancer Council SA launched its ‘Water. It’s flippin’ good for you’ campaign to encourage South Aussie teens and young people to drink water instead.
The campaign’s animated, comic book style ads will appear across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, in shopping centres, on buses and in cinemas to offer a fun and attractive alternative to the unhealthy drink advertising teens are more commonly exposed to.
“Tap water is free and good for you, but it’s often overlooked by teenagers in favour of heavily marketed soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks – as well as their sugar-free versions,” Christine said.
“Thanks to the generous support of the South Australian community, we are aiming to cut through the noise and remind teens that drinking water really is the simplest health hack.”
South Australians can learn more about the ‘Water. It’s flippin’ good for you’ campaign and watch the campaign video here.
