Year 12 students are turning to energy drinks and sweets in their studies for exams, a new stress survey by youth mental health service ReachOut shows.
The month-long survey of 1000 students (16 to 25 years-old) showed that 28% of respondents said they used energy drinks to get through long study sessions.
Of those using energy drinks, 22% drink two a day and almost 14% drank three or more daily; 39% drank caffeinated drinks (coffee-based), 22% drank soft drinks and 39% said they ate more foods like chips, lollies and chocolate.
WATCH THE VIDEO: Jackie Hallan explains the survey findings
A quarter (25%) saw no link between eating and study stress with 25% less likely to exercise normally during their studies but 62% of those that did exercise said it had reduced their stress levels.
ReachOut deputy CEO Jackie Hallan says that the new data is a chance for students to feel better.
“Exams are around the corner for Year 12s … ReachOut’s new study stress data shows us that many students are reaching for things like energy drinks for quick wins to help them power through study sessions,” she says.
“However, leaning too much on things like sugar and caffeine and skipping exercise can backfire.”
Hallan says the stress of studying for exams is also affecting students’ moods.
The proportion of students who reported mood changes rose 19% year-on-year to 58% in 2025, the number who reported not enjoying themselves rose 13% to 47% this year and the number who reported relationship challenges rose 10% to 29% this year.
“More and more students aren’t doing things they enjoy, they’re experiencing changes in their moods and their relationships are suffering,” Hallan says.
“For some students, a combination of the food and drinks that spike our energy and not moving could be contributing to these experiences, or they could make them feel even harder to manage.”
REACHING OUT TO STUDENTS
She says their message to students is a simple one.
“Exams and assessments don’t have to drain you. It’s not about being perfect, it is about moving and fuelling your mind and body in smarter, kinder ways,” Hallan says.
“Even small changes like taking short walks during study breaks and staying hydrated can level up your wellbeing and help you power through.”
She also says students who are distressed need to seek support from someone else.
“That could look like speaking to someone you trust or making an appointment with a GP.”
The survey found that: 61% of respondents turned to friends for support, 31% studied with friends, 39% had sought support from parents and carers, 23% looked for support online and 22% were supported by a teacher or school counsellor.
ABOUT REACHOUT
ReachOut is an online mental health service in Australia for young people. They say they are anonymous, free and entirely online; they offer one-to-one support from experienced peer workers to tips, stories and resources. Former Olympian swimmer Ian Thorpe is a member of ReachOut’s board of directors.
Resources: students can visit ReachOut while parents/carers can visit ReachOut Parents.
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