Caffeine consumption is at an all-time high and the consumption among teenagers continues to rise. According to one research publication, the amount of caffeine children and teenagers consume has increased 70% in the last thirty years. Thus, it can be difficult to keep your teenagers away from caffeine. Further, the numerous foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee, soda, and energy drinks, make it especially hard. So, should you let your teens consume caffeine? To determine this, see below for the list of beneficial and harmful effects caffeine may have on your teenagers.
Beneficial Effects:
Harmful Effects:
As you can see, caffeine has a wide range of both beneficial and harmful effects. It is, however, important to note that even the benefits of consuming caffeine only come with it in moderation. So, should you let your teenagers drink caffeine? The answer is only in moderation. Although caffeine can have benefits for a teenagers’ social well-being, physical health, and mental performance and alertness, too much of it can lead to addiction, low sleep quality, and health issues.
References
Nefer, Barb. The Benefits of Coffee for Teenagers. Livestrong. October 2017. https://www.livestrong.com/article/529293-can-energy-drinks-cause-kidney-stones/
Sandoval, Melissa. What’s the Right Age: Drinking Coffee. How Stuff Works. June 2010. https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/family/parenting/tweens-teens/right-age-drinking-coffee.htm
Should Teenagers Drink Coffee? Child Mags. February 2009. http://www.childmags.com.au/should-teenagers-drink-coffee/
Whiteson, Jonathan. Generation C: Is Caffeine the Next Kids’ Health Crisis? Health. January 2013. http://www.health.com/nutrition/generation-c-is-caffeine-the-next-kids-health-crisis