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Parents, brace yourselves—your kid’s favorite pick-me-up might be off the table for good. According to new health guidelines, children and teens between the ages of 5 and 18 should never have caffeine. And if that wasn’t enough, they should also limit their intake of 100% juice and flavored milks, while steering clear of sugar-sweetened beverages and drinks containing artificial sweeteners.
So, what’s left? Experts say the safest bets are water and plain milk—but let’s be real, that’s a tough sell for many families.
Why the Crackdown?
Caffeine isn’t just an energy booster—it’s a stimulant that can have serious effects on younger bodies. Pediatricians warn that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to:
Sleep disturbances
High blood pressure
Increased anxiety
Withdrawal symptoms like headaches
And in extreme cases, energy drinks have even been linked to deaths in kids.
The Bigger Issue: Caffeine Is Everywhere
Even if your kid isn’t chugging lattes, they could still be getting a caffeine fix in sneaky ways, like:
“Charged” and energy drinks
Chocolate bars
Some protein bars
Herbal drinks
Energy-boosting gums and snacks
Research shows nearly one in four teens consume caffeine most days of the week—and with “coffee culture” becoming a rite of passage for many, cutting it out completely won’t be easy.
While pediatricians urge parents to rethink their kids’ drink choices, the reality is that most beverages marketed to kids contain either sugar, artificial sweeteners, or caffeine. That means parents will have to get creative—and a little firm—when it comes to making healthier choices.
So, will teens really swap their ventis for water bottles? That remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: The caffeine conversation is just getting started.
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