Popular caffeine drinks are often advertised to young people in flashy packaging with promises of improved energy and performance. These drinks can contain levels of caffeine that are dangerously high, exceeding the safe limit for children and teenagers. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children between 12-18 years old should not exceed 100 mg of caffeine a day. In a single serving, many energy drinks contain much more caffeine than 100 mg.
Caffeine overconsumption can have several negative health effects including:
Heart problems: Caffeine may cause heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat. These effects are particularly harmful for young people, whose cardiovascular systems are still developing.
Caffeine toxicity can cause anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Seizures and even death may occur in severe cases.
Mental health impacts: An excessive caffeine intake can worsen anxiety and depression in teens, particularly those who are already struggling with such conditions. It can also disturb sleep patterns that are crucial to healthy development.
Academic performance: Although some people believe that caffeine improves focus, the jitters and anxiety it causes, as well as its subsequent crash, can hamper concentration and academic performance.
In a therapeutic setting, being aware of caffeine consumption is even more important. These students may have pre-existing mental and emotional health issues, which makes them more vulnerable to caffeine’s negative effects. Schools such as Logos, recognize the importance of educating their students on healthy choices, while also providing support to those who struggle with caffeine addiction. To address this problem effectively, open communication is necessary between families, teachers, and therapists.
Parents can help by:
Discuss with your children the dangers of caffeine and energy drinks.
Monitoring Consumption: Be aware what your children drink and how much coffee they consume.
You can choose healthier alternatives such as water, milk or fruit juice.
Seeking professional assistance: If your child appears to be caffeine-dependent, you should consult with a health professional such as their pediatrician.
National Caffeine Awareness Month is a great way to remind people of the dangers hidden in seemingly harmless drinks. To protect our students and teenagers from the dangers of energy drinks, we need to educate them, raise their awareness and have an open dialogue. Working together, care givers and educators can encourage young people to make healthy choices and establish healthy habits. This month let’s start a discussion about caffeine to empower our youth and encourage them to put their health first.
Logos School provides a lifeline to students through a transformative, personalized therapeutic and academic program, fostering a path to hope and success. We welcome students through open enrollment, whether privately or through their home school district. Our structured, yet flexible environment fosters our students’ needs with compassion and acceptance and cultivates a supportive peer community, empowering students toward graduation or mainstreaming success.