As energy drinks become increasingly popular among teens, it’s vital for parents to understand their impact and manage consumption. With a plethora of options available in stores, these beverages can easily tempt young consumers, often without parental awareness.
The Allure of Energy Drinks
One key reason teens say they gravitate toward energy drinks is that they’re readily available. Hundreds of options line convenience and grocery store shelves.
Understanding Parent Awareness
But parents may not always be aware of their teens’ caffeine or energy drink intake. A 2024 C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll of 2,057 parents found that 23 percent said that their teen consumed caffeine at least four days a week, but a third of parents overall thought the recommended daily caffeine limit for teens was higher than 100 mg.
Strategies for Parents
You can help limit your teen’s caffeine consumption with regular check-ins and by fostering healthy caffeine habits at home. Consider these suggestions:
Check your own caffeine and energy drink use. In the Mott Children’s Hospital poll, parents said the most common place their teens had caffeinated drinks was at home. “We live in a Starbucks culture,” says Corkins from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Drinking caffeinated beverages has become such a normalized activity that we almost don’t think about it, he says. But getting kids to consume less caffeine—or none at all—starts with good modeling by adults.
If you find yourself reaching for caffeine in any form, including energy drinks, when you need a boost, consider instead hydrating with water or fruit juices, minimizing processed foods, and creating a bedtime routine that helps you relax and sleep better so that you’ll have more energy during the day, Corkins says.
Help your teen know the difference between energy drinks and hydration beverages. These two types of drinks may be sold side by side, and their packaging might look similar—think Prime Hydration and Prime Energy drinks or Ghost Hydration and Ghost Energy.
Take a minute to show your teen how to scan a beverage container to quickly find the caffeine information, says CR’s Ronholm: “Doing so is a great way to teach kids early on how to read beverage and food labels.”
More than half of parents in the Mott poll said they rarely looked at caffeine amounts when buying beverages for their teens.
And remind your teen that even for athletes, water is still the best choice for hydration. Energy drinks may actually cause dehydration, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If your teen insists on a sports drink, suggest they look for one that contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium, but no caffeine, Vetter says.
Check in on your teen’s sleep habits. Teens need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. But too much caffeine from any source can disrupt sleep—and create a vicious cycle, Corkins says. “Patients tell me, ‘I’m tired in the morning. I wake up, and I need something to help me,’” he explains. “But you can’t overcome a lack of sleep by using caffeine.” Too much caffeine in the daytime can then lead to another restless night.
Lack of sleep has serious consequences for teens and can lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression, reduced focus, poor memory, and an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, and substance abuse, according to the CDC.
To help establish a bedtime routine, consider what Corkins and his teenagers do: Spend 20 to 30 minutes reading a book or magazine to wind down (no screen time). Doing so promotes relaxation and improves sleep, he says.
Take an inventory of your teen’s total caffeine consumption. In addition to caffeinated beverages, Corkin and Vetter remind parents that various other products can contain caffeine, such as over-the-counter drugs like Excedrin (acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine), chocolate, and coffee-flavored treats like ice cream.
Keep an eye out for signs of caffeine overload. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends calling a doctor if your teen or child exhibits these symptoms: a racing or irregular heartbeat, fast breathing, uncontrollable shaking (tremors), anxious feelings, or an unusual and increased level of hyperactivity.
Key Takeaways
- Energy drinks are widely available and appealing to teens.
- Many parents may not realize their teens are consuming caffeine regularly.
- Modeling healthy caffeine habits at home is crucial.
- Teach teens how to identify caffeine content in beverages.
- Promote water as the best hydration option for athletes.
- Establish bedtime routines to support healthy sleep habits.
- Monitor overall caffeine consumption from various sources.
FAQ
Why do teens prefer energy drinks?
Teens are drawn to energy drinks because they are easily accessible and marketed as quick sources of energy.
How much caffeine should teens consume?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that teens limit their caffeine intake to under 100 mg per day.
What are the symptoms of caffeine overload?
Symptoms may include a racing heartbeat, fast breathing, uncontrollable shaking, anxious feelings, and increased hyperactivity.
How can I help my teen reduce caffeine consumption?
Encourage hydration with water, model healthy habits, and help them understand product labels.
What should be done if a teen exhibits signs of caffeine overload?
It is advisable to contact a healthcare professional if symptoms appear to ensure proper guidance and care.
By taking a proactive approach to managing energy drink consumption, parents can help their teens establish healthier habits that will benefit them in the long run
