Caffeine

As much as we worry about drinking and smoking, we often fail to notice another commonly used drug, caffeine. Caffeine has become the drug of choice for many overscheduled, stressed out kids who have learned what adults already know.

“Like I drink 2 cups of coffee and I'm so awake like 10-15 minutes later, I wouldn't be able to get to work if not and I drink like Mountain Dews throughout the day, especially if I don't have breakfast. I live on caffeine `til 8 o'clock at night, says Christie, age 17.

Studies show at least twenty percent of kids are consuming more than 350 milligrams of caffeine a day which equals almost five cups of coffee or eight soft drinks. Pediatricians note seeing side effects such as headaches and abdominal pain. Too much caffeine can also cause high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.

Teens should be educated about the dangers of caffeine use and for younger kids parents should limit access to caffeinated beverages available. Parents should also try to downplay the media messages that popularize these products.

What Parents Should Know

Marketers are cashing in on the kids and coffee craze with a whole new inventory of caffeine products targeted at kids. Many kids are into these new coffee products not only because it’s a cool thing, but also for a little boost from the caffeine. Some adults see it as the new drug of choice among youth.

Parent’s may be concerned about this new love for what was typically viewed as an adult past time, but how many are aware of the content of caffeine in more youth oriented drinks. Colas are the most obvious sodas with caffeine content, but there are several other soft drinks and non-soft drink products that have significant amounts of caffeine content. One new offering is a bottled water called Krank20 that has 71 milligrams of caffeine.

“If your child drinks 100 mgs or more, he or she can feel jittery, anxious, and even have trouble sleeping (for) up to 24 hours,” says Dr. Marvin Lipman with Consumer Reports. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it has an affect on the nervous system and has the potential to be addictive. Parents should pay close attention to caffeine consumption and their child reacts to it.