It’s no secret teens today are busier than ever. Between school, sports, jobs, and endless scrolling, many are turning to energy drinks for a boost. Teen consumption is higher than ever.
But here’s the buzzkill: those flashy cans often pack more caffeine than three cups of coffee. Add in the sugar and extra stimulants, and that’s a lot for a still-growing body to handle.
Too much caffeine can lead to jitters, headaches, anxiety, sleep problems, high blood pressure, and even heart rhythm issues. Some teens may also experience dependence or withdrawal symptoms, similar to other stimulants.
Health experts recommend teens stick to no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine a day. That’s about one small cup of coffee. Most energy drinks go way over that limit in a single serving.
If your teen is feeling wiped out, the better fix is more rest, better meals, and less screen time before bed.