Can 13-Year-Olds Drink Coffee?
With the increasing popularity of caffeinated beverages, it’s often asked: is it safe for kids to drink coffee? While the jury’s out on exact amounts and frequencies, the answer is a definite ‘not necessarily’.
At a young age, the consumption of caffeine can cause negative side effects, such as trouble sleeping. This can be a concern for 13-year-olds who need plenty of rest for their academic and physical development. Additionally, caffeine can cause headaches, irritability and other serious health issues.
Dr Bernadine Cruz, a veterinarian from California, says that ‘When caffeine is consumed by children, it can interfere with their physical and mental development, causing issues like lack of concentration and potential problems with sleep patterns’. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends avoiding caffeine for children under 12.
Caffeine is addictive and studies have shown that 13-year-olds consuming energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster are more likely to abuse the stimulant. However, small amounts of coffee can be ok for a 13-year-old, as long as it is closely monitored. Pediatrician Mike Spigel, from Texas, says ‘Our advice is that caffeine should be limited and in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to limit caffeine to no more than 85 mg per day, the amount of caffeine found in a 12 oz. cup of coffee.
If your child insists on having caffeine, try to provide non-caffeinated options as a way to reinforce healthy habits. Low-sugar alternatives such as herbal teas and juices are great options. Even flavored water can be a tasty substitute.
Caffeine In Teens
Caffeine has long been a part of teenage culture. But it isn’t just about the flavor. Teens use caffeine for short-term energy boosts and even for weight loss. But this can lead to an unhealthy reliance on caffeine as a means to stay awake or avoid getting sick.
Psychologists also affirm that drinking coffee can increase levels of stress and anxiety in teenagers, particularly during critical times such as midterms or finals. Therefore, limiting your child’s access to coffee in and out of the house is important.
It’s also important to provide your child with access to healthy ingredients that can supply natural energy. Snacks like figs, almonds, apricots, and carrots can contribute essential vitamins, minerals and energy to the teen’s diet and help them stay energized throughout the day.
By providing your child with healthier, non-caffeinated options, they’ll understand that it’s not just about tasting good, but also about feeling good.
Caffeine and Sleep
Drinking coffee in the late afternoon or evening can hinder adolescent sleep. But this isn’t just about the coffee itself, it’s about the caffeine. Teens are known to stay up late and face difficulty waking up early – thus, caffeine should be avoided in the evening, so that the teen gets a full 8 hours of sleep.
It is extremely important for teens to wind down and relax before bed, since their bodies are still developing. When the body isn’t properly rested, it can affect cognition and even lead to depression. Therefore, it’s important to establish consistent bedtimes during late childhood and early teen years, and to avoid stimulants like caffeine right before going to bed.
However, some doctors acknowledge that small amounts of coffee can be beneficial to teenagers when consumed in the morning. Indeed, caffeine can help focus on tasks and provide a quick boost of energy. But it’s still important to keep a close eye on the ingredients in your child’s drink, such as added sugars or calories.
Caffeine Safety
All in all, moderation is key. While it’s important to educate teens from a young age about caffeinated beverages, it’s also important to recognize that teenagers can also be responsible consumers.
Teens should not be pressured into drinking coffee and parents can trust that as long as their teen follows basic safety guidelines and sleeps for 8 hours, there are no long-term dangers to drinking small amounts of coffee.
The bottom line is, whether it’s the caffeine content, the calories, the taste, or the social reasons, it’s important to talk to your child and educate them on the risks of drinking coffee so that they can make responsible, educated decisions.
Coffee Consumption in Teens
Recent studies have found that coffee consumption has been on the rise in adolescents. A 2018 study in the journal Pediatrics found that almost 60 percent of teens aged 13-18 reported drinking at least one cup of coffee a week. The mean caffeine intake for adolescents aged 13-18 was between 64-155 mg per day.
One study even showed that of the 90 percent of teens who reported drinking coffee daily, 35 percent reported drinking it more than five times a day. While many of these teenagers were not being supervised while they drank coffee, it was still important to note the quantities they are consuming.
Though kids may think that they need the extra energy and focus, researchers have found that the consumption of coffee is not a substitute for a good night’s rest. Indeed, teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each day in order to stay healthy and get the rest that their developing brains and bodies need.
Coffee Education
It’s important for both parents and adolescents to embrace healthy habits to minimize risk of caffeinated beverage consumption. This includes teaching teens about the potential risks associated with caffeine and encouraging balanced diets instead of relying on caffeine for quick energy.
Providing teens with alternative, healthier options instead of coffee can also help prevent children from pickin up the habit. Talking to your teen and educating them on the potential consequences of drinking coffee is important, as it will help them feel more comfortable and confident when making decisions about their own diet and daily fuel.
Providing children with alternative non-caffeinated energizing options such as smoothies, energy bars and juices is also a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle and minimize the dangers of caffeine abuse.
Awareness and Guidelines
For a 13-year-old, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of caffeine and understand the risks associated with drinking coffee. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that adolescents aged 13 and over should consume no more than 85 mg per day, and then – if at all – only in moderation.
It’s also important for teens to remember that there are multiple long-term health concerns associated with drinking coffee that may not be immediately apparent. When consumed in excess, coffee can cause heart palpitations, restlessness, and anxiety, so it’s important that teens pay attention to how they’re feeling and talk to their doctors about any concerns.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that a teen’s health is important, and that caffeine and coffee can interfere with their physical and mental development.
