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A new study conducted by the University of Michigan has shed light on the caffeine consumption habits of teenagers, revealing concerning trends about their intake. The study found that 25% of parents reported their teens consume caffeine daily or nearly every day, with 18% of these teens drinking caffeine specifically to stay awake.
The study, which gathered responses from 1,095 parents of teens in February, highlighted the various sources of caffeine consumed by teens. The most common sources included soda (73%), tea (32%), coffee (31%), and energy drinks (22%). Caffeine consumption occurred most frequently at home (81%), followed by dining out (43%), at school (25%), and with friends (3%).
Dr. Susan Woolford, MD, co-director of the poll and a pediatrician at Mott, emphasized the importance of parental awareness regarding caffeine limits. “Our report suggests parents may not always be aware of how much they should be limiting caffeine consumption for teens,” Woolford said. “Caffeine is a drug that stimulates the brain and nervous system, and too much of it can contribute to a variety of health problems in young people.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against caffeine intake for children and adolescents, and other experts recommend limiting caffeine to 100 milligrams per day for teens. Despite these guidelines, the study found that while 60% of parents were aware of the risks of highly caffeinated products, roughly half rarely checked caffeine amounts when purchasing beverages for their teens.
Woolford suggested that parents engage in conversations with their teens about the negative impacts of excessive caffeine and explore non-caffeinated alternatives together. “Parents should consider talking with their teen about the negative impact of excessive caffeine, and then explore non-caffeinated options they can try together at home, at school or when out with friends,” she said. Woolford also recommended involving healthcare providers in these discussions to better educate teens on the risks and strategies for reducing caffeine intake.
This study underscores the need for greater parental involvement and awareness in managing teen caffeine consumption to promote healthier lifestyle choices.
