Background
There has been much debate over the years as to whether seven-year-olds should be allowed to drink coffee. The debate has been largely centered around the effects of caffeine on a developing brain, as well as the potential for long-term addiction. Although coffee is often touted for its health benefits, those with pediatric health concerns have long cautioned against its consumption by children. However, some parents are beginning to see the advantages of allowing their children to drink coffee, and are fully embracing the idea.
Pros
For some parents, allowing their seven-year-olds to drink coffee is seen as a way of introducing them to the world of caffeine responsibly. Giving seven-year-olds a very small and supervised amount of coffee can help them to gain an appreciation for the taste, whilst avoiding any potential health issues. Ultimately, this can be beneficial in the future – when it comes to the family outings, they won’t demand sweet hot chocolate, but they may enjoy the taste of a cup of regular coffee.
In addition to this, some studies suggest that caffeine can have a positive effect on learning. This could be beneficial for seven-year-olds who are attending school on a regular basis and learning important foundational skills. Small doses of caffeine can help to improve alertness, focus, and even athleticism – making it an attractive prospect for many parents.
Cons
From a health perspective, however, there are many reasons why seven-year-olds should not be consuming coffee. Firstly, children’s bodies respond differently to caffeine than those of adults– meaning that the dose that is safe for an adult is likely to be too much for a seven-year-old. Caffeine is known to be addictive, and can disrupt sleep patterns when consumed too late in the day. Secondly, there is mounting evidence to suggest that an intake of caffeine can increase blood pressure in children, leading to long-term issues.
Furthermore, consuming coffee could stunt the growth and development of seven-year-olds. The compounds in coffee can interfere with the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, which are essential in allowing children to reach the healthy heights they are expected to at this stage of life. Consuming too much coffee can also lead to anxiety, agitation and excessive hunger, which can be difficult for children to manage.
Nutritionists Perspective
Nutritionists also support the view that seven-year-olds should not consume coffee, considering its well-documented negative effects on health. Nutritionists use the term ‘caffeine intoxication’ to describe the side effects of excessive caffeine intake, and recommend limiting caffeine intake to less than 100mg per day or roughly one cup of coffee. They point out that there is no real nutritional benefit to drinking coffee for children of this age, as there are plenty of other sources of energy that do not include caffeine.
Health Expert’s Perspective
Health experts believe that seven-year-olds generally should not consume coffee. They point to the side effects that caffeine can have on a developing body, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as the potential for caffeine addiction. They also point out that increasing caffeine intake can have negative implications in terms of cognition, physical performance, and nutrition.
Conclusion
Although coffee consumption is typically seen as a harmless habit, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with allowing a seven-year-old to drink coffee. From a health perspective, nutritionists and health experts agree that the risks posed usually outweigh the benefits. With the potential for long-term addiction and disruption of development, it is recommended that seven-year-olds should not consume coffee.
