Teenagers have much on their minds as the transitional period from childhood to adulthood comes with many challenges. Wielding new responsibilities, teens who are currently in this stage must learn how to discipline themselves and navigate choices that may affect them in the long run.

One example of how teenagers manage themselves is ensuring they get enough sleep, something this age group notoriously lacks. Similar to most cases, one thing leads to another, and a “solution” is found. A couple of extra hours of sleep is replaced by an alternative: caffeine. This substance is a stimulant that increases alertness and improves concentration in consumers. According to the National Library of Medicine, 73% of children in the United States consume caffeine on a daily basis. This can be due to exhaustion, the addictive properties of caffeine, and energy drink companies’ use of deceptive marketing strategies to appeal to adolescents. When used frequently, caffeine poses serious risks for young people, as their dependency increases and they begin to experience health and lifestyle changes. 

There are many reasons why some teenagers may not be getting enough sleep. Busy schedules, homework, and sports can push going to sleep to a later hour. People between the ages of 13 and 18 require 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. However, studies consistently show that most teens have been unable to meet these standards. According to UCLA Health, by age 14 only 23% of teens are sleeping eight or more hours per night. At age 16, that statistic decreases to 19%. This can result in lowered performance levels, hence bringing forth the alternative of introducing caffeine into one’s everyday life. 

Drinking caffeine is fairly common in American society, and the majority of adults drink it on a daily basis. Many believe that caffeine gives them an energy boost, but this is false. According to Medical News Today, caffeine blocks a chemical in the body called adenosine that causes fatigue. In other words, caffeine doesn’t make one’s body less tired; it just tricks the brain into believing one isn’t tired. The American Medical Association states that caffeine can interfere with medications one may be taking. For example, people who take ADHD medication while drinking caffeine may experience heightened heart rate, elevated blood pressure and heart palpitations. Additionally, caffeine intake can diminish the effects of iron supplements, thyroid medications, Alzheimer’s disease medication and antidepressants.

 Teens are recommended to have no more than 100 mg of caffeine per day. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 30% to 50% of adolescents consume energy drinks daily. Most energy drinks have up to 150 to 300 mg of caffeine. There are many dangers of this excess consumption, including impaired heart function, calcium depletion leading to weakened bones, stunted brain development and a decrease in the skin’s production of collagen, which can lead to premature wrinkles. Short-term effects may include anxiety, dehydration, diarrhea, insomnia, nausea and restlessness. When caffeine becomes a necessity, addiction is possible. When one consumes it regularly, they will develop a tolerance and require more of the substance to achieve the same result of alertness. Withdrawal can be difficult, especially when one is so reliant on caffeine. Symptoms of withdrawal may include headaches and agitation. 

In today’s consumer-driven economy, marketing strategies have advanced, luring people to products. Specifically, some companies in the energy drink market have made their products look more appealing to young people by using eye-catching packaging and collaborating with popular social media influencers. According to Suffolk University Law School, popular brands such as Prime Energy, Ghost LLC, Ryse Fuel, Cellucor and Alani Nutrition have faced allegations referencing deceptive advertising strategies in violation of many FDA laws. They mislabeled their cans regarding their caffeine content, the real amount being higher. Ghost has faced repercussions as they have flavored their caffeinated energy drinks with candy brands that are popular among adolescents such as Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids and Warheads. This creates the illusion that the product is suitable for children, when in reality it is intended for adults. Popular Starbucks refreshers contain 35 to 110 mg of caffeine, depending on the size. Kids are tempted by the bright colors and enticing flavors of the drinks. However, many are unaware of the health risks and potential for addiction if they consume regularly. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children between the ages of 12 and 18 should avoid energy drinks entirely. Nonetheless, energy drink companies continue to market their products to this demographic. 

Teenagers are becoming too dependent on caffeine and this frequent use leads to health problems of which many are unaware. This increased reliance on caffeine may be due to the accessibility of these drinks. The CDC stated that 11.6% of high schools in America sell caffeinated drinks. Age restrictions should be put on energy drinks in order to avoid young people consuming dangerous amounts of caffeine. I also think that it is important for companies that produce energy drinks to label their products clearly, with the accurate number of milligrams of caffeine present. These companies should also stop marketing towards the younger generations, as their products can be harmful to their health. Some may argue that drinking caffeine can increase metabolism and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While this can be true, it only pertains to those drinking black coffee without any added sugar or cream. In this age of lattes and energy drinks, black coffee may not be the first choice of many teens. Ultimately, the health of young people should be prioritized and stricter regulations are essential to help protect them from the hidden dangers of caffeine.