Is It OK to Let Your Kid Drink the Occassional Coffee? (2024)

You'd be hard-pressed to walk by a group of teens without spotting an oversized drink from Starbucks or Dunkin' in their hands. It seems coffee shops are the new hangout for high schoolers, and the trend is quickly extending to middle schoolers too. Whether it's an iced coffee while hanging out at the mall or a post-practice pick-me-up mocha, kids are consuming caffeinated beverages at an alarming rate.

But should kids drink coffee? What are the possible long-term and short-term side effects? In this article, we'll take a look at the effects of caffeine on children and how much coffee kids can safely drink.

Is Coffee Bad for Kids?

In small amounts, coffee is not particularly bad for kids, but there are a couple of things you should consider before allowing them to consume any amount of coffee.

Caffeine content

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under the age of 12 consume no caffeine, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) advises that kids aged 12 to 18 years consume no more than 100 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day.

Yet a study published in the journal Pediatrics revealed that a staggering 73% of children and adolescents drink some amount of caffeine daily—and most of it comes from coffee, soda, or energy drinks.

Fat and added sugar

Most of the coffee beverages kids and teens order at coffee shops contain a lot of added sugar and fat in the form of ingredients like sweetened syrups and whipped cream. This increases the amount of fat and sugar they're consuming and likely reduces their intake of healthier beverages like water.

Side Effects of Coffee in Kids

The caffeine content in coffee can affect kids differently from adults, since their bodies are generally smaller and still developing, and they have different needs overall. Steve Theunissen, a registered dietitian nutritionist and ISSA /IFPA certified personal trainer, says adverse effects from coffee and caffeinated beverages can include:

• Frequent urination and increased risk of dehydration: Coffee is a diuretic, which means that high amounts can possibly dehydrate children.
• Altered mental state: One study shows that caffeine intake in kids is associated with increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Caffeine consumption is also associated with jitteriness and nervousness.
• Poor sleep patterns: Caffeine can alter kids' sleep cycles, which can interrupt growth in the brain and body.
• Caffeine dependency: Regularly drinking coffee as a child can become a habit, and children can experience the effects of caffeine withdrawal just like adults do. These might include tiredness, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and headaches.
• Upset stomach or nausea: The caffeine and acid in coffee can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like stomachaches and nausea.

What's more, excessive amounts of caffeine can lead to caffeine overdose, which may require emergency treatment.

"Symptoms of caffeine overdose can include vomiting, high blood pressure, racing heart, heart rhythm problems, and, less commonly, disorientation and hallucinations," according to the AACAP. "Youth with certain health conditions such as heart problems, seizures, or migraines may be more at risk for caffeine-related problems than others."

How Much Coffee Is OK for Kids?

The AAP doesn't recommend that kids or teens drink ever drink coffee, but if you're considering allowing your teen to have it in small amounts, you can use the AACAP's recommended limit for caffeine to guide you (no more than 100 mg for tweens and teens aged 12 to 18).

Of course, the best option is to speak to your child's doctor before offering them a caffeinated beverage. If your child or adolescent has a history of anxiety, stomach issues, or heart complications, for example, it may be best to skip coffee and other caffeinated beverages entirely.

Caffeine Content in Popular Coffee Shop Drinks

If you're considering allowing your child to drink coffee it's a good idea to know the caffeine content of the beverage your child wants. A quick glance at the caffeine content proves that these types of drinks can vastly exceed the recommended guidelines for caffeine consumption in kids. Note that all beverages included are size tall (12 fl oz) for Starbucks and size small (10 fl oz) for Dunkin', unless otherwise noted.