HOUSTON — Most parents know caffeine is not great for kids.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 12 not consume caffeine. For teens ages 12 through 18, it recommends only consuming 100 milligrams a day. That’s around what you would get in a regular cup of coffee.
The good news, according to UT Health Houston,. is that teenagers are drinking less soda and not many of them are sitting down with a cup of black coffee. The bad news is they are turning to flavored coffee and energy drinks.
According to new research from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, 23 percent of parents of teens report their kids regularly consume caffeine. Health experts warn that in recent years, more and more teens are turning to energy drinks for a pick-me-up. Those drinks can have up to three times the recommended dosage of caffeine for teens.
While caffeine can help with alertness and focus, long term use can cause problems, especially for teenagers. According to the Washington Post, excessive caffeine consumption in teens can affect their mood, sleep and performance at school. It can also cause side affects like stomach problems, headaches and heart palpitations.