For many teens, caffeine is a regular part of their diet

By Bernard Turk On Jun 3, 2024

Some 23 percent of parents of teenagers said caffeine is a regular part of their child’s life, according to a nationally representative poll on children’s health.

Nearly 1,100 parents with children ages 13 through 18 took part in the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. They said their children’s most common caffeine sources were soda, tea, coffee and energy drinks.

The parents reported that their teens most frequently consumed caffeine at home (81 percent) followed by dining out (43 percent).

Consumption differed by age group. More parents of 16- to 18-year-olds than 13- to 15-year-olds reported daily caffeine consumption — 14 percent vs. 6 percent. And the parents who said their children drank caffeinated beverages zero to three days a week (74 percent) attributed that to not usually having caffeinated drinks at home or their teen trying to be healthy or not wanting their sleep disrupted.

Two-thirds of parents said they believe they know whether their child is consuming too much caffeine.

Experts suggest a limit of 100 milligrams per day, or less, for teens, which is about the amount of caffeine in one eight-ounce cup of coffee or a little over two 12-ounce soft drinks. One in 3 parents in the poll thought the limit was higher than that.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can help with alertness, focus and energy. However, long-term use, especially among teenagers, can cause problems. “Excessive caffeine consumption in teens can affect their mood, sleep and school performance, along with side effects like headache, upset stomach or heart palpitations,” according to a C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital news release.

It is also possible for teens to become dependent on caffeine. “Parents may enlist the teen’s healthcare provider in explaining the risks of caffeine and suggesting strategies to cut back,” the authors write. “In addition, parents can involve their teen in selecting non-caffeinated options to have at home.”

This article is part of The Post’s “Big Number” series, which takes a brief look at the statistical aspect of health issues. Additional information and relevant research are available through the hyperlinks.

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