Caffeine is a neurological stimulant commonly found in all sorts of drinks. It can be found in coffee, tea, pop and various energy drinks. It is popular among teens in high school; many of them integrate a caffeinated drink into their daily routine. Despite its popularity, caffeine offers some serious health risks to teens.
Teens choose caffeinated drinks as much for the fun flavors and colorful advertising as for their effects. Caffeine gives one a boost of energy and can ward off drowsiness; this is especially helpful in a busy student’s schedule. Many teens can easily buy these caffeinated drinks at or on their way to school.
¨It makes me feel motivated,¨ freshman Amelia Carter said. Many can relate to this, with caffeine´s main benefit being its energizing kick.
On the other hand, some teens self-regulate, not finding the same appeal as their peers, or perhaps the cons they experience outweigh the pros. Often, a healthy lifestyle can even mimic the energy boost and ‘awake’ feeling of a caffeinated drink.
Along with its vitalizing benefits, caffeine carries some less-than-pleasurable effects as a result of its unhealthy qualities. Caffeine can give people of any age an increased heart rate, anxiety and has even been traced back to seizures. It is very common for teens to feel these consequences in real time.
¨Sometimes it makes my head hurt,¨ freshman Nora Shelton said. Headaches are among the most common negative effects of caffeine consumption.
Claims of the unhealthy qualities of caffeine do not come from nowhere; the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health writes all about the adverse effects found in various scientific studies. These effects are extremely exacerbated in young people, establishing that the younger you are, the worse caffeine may be.
These teens began their regular use of caffeine quite young, Shelton and Carter say, at ages 11 and 12, respectively. Beginning near-daily caffeine intake so early is not uncommon for today’s youth.
¨I feel like I’m fine without it. And I also don’t want to get a caffeine addiction,¨ junior Faith Brockshus said. Caffeine addiction is not often considered extremely serious, but when one pays attention to the health risks, it can be very concerning in youth.
Ultimately, balance is key when it comes to one’s health. Every food and drink has benefits and downfalls, and that includes every variety of caffeinated drinks, from tea to pop. Teens should listen to their own bodies when it comes to deciding whether caffeinated beverages are worth the risk.
