The previous Conservative government had planned to introduced the ban, but scrapped the move in 2022, and said consumption should be a personal choice.
Streeting told BBC Breakfast the Tories “called it wrong” and while personal responsibility applies for adults, children need a different approach.
He explained that from his office he sees kids leaving school popping into the shop and buying drinks on their breaks and on the way home, with nobody to stop them.
Prof Steve Turner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said a ban was the “next logical step” in making children’s diets more healthy.
And Prof Amelia Lake from Teesside University, who has studied the drinks’ impact on young people’s lives, said they had “no place” in the diets of children.
“Our research has shown the significant mental and physical health consequences of children drinking energy drinks.
“We know these drinks are part of youth culture and associated with sports, gaming, music and more, but there is a lack of clear signalling about their health consequences.”
But Gavin Partington from the British Soft Drinks Association said manufacturers had already led the way with self regulation.
“As with all government policy, it’s essential that any forthcoming regulation is based on a rigorous assessment of the evidence that’s available,” he added.
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are also considering a ban.