Kids Are Getting Amped on Caffeine, Even at Age 5

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Who in their right mind would think a double latte is the proper thing for a little kid?

zoopals of MS 8:03PM February 03, 2011

I am turning 17 in march and i agree with this article. I have insomnia and, I drink way too many "soft drinks" during the day for some reason I can't seem to get enough of them. Many energy drinks to kids are considered soft drinks even though they don't do much. I could personally drink 2-3 monsters a day it makes me really anxious and i stress out too often. Not only from drinking the soft drinks (not just monster(s)). I am not very active although I do bike a few miles pretty often. I guess what I'm trying to say is our parents don't enforce us to be active or to do well in school. Rules need to be set not only us but, with the law about caffeine. Caffeine is considered a drug which means it affects us and our behavior.

Michael Prehm of OR 11:33PM January 05, 2011

I liked your article Nancy.
Options should be made available such that you can choose between regular sodas (laden with caffeine) and caffeine free sodas. At most food places, you don't have a choice. Our culture's religion is to do everything in excess, and we don't need to imbibe this mantra. Mandatory labeling should clearly state the exact amount of caffeine milligrams so that we know the potency -- including drinks from the fountain.
Can't we come together as a united group to work against this proliferation of caffeine products and hidden caffeine products?
If anyone wants to do something, I would like to take part,
Sid Shastri

Sid Shastri of CA 2:57AM January 05, 2011

hahaha thats funny i just turned 15 in april and a lot of people say i consume too much caffeine and my parents grounded me from soda b/c of it..lol <3

mikki sutton of IL 9:28PM January 03, 2011

caffine isnt bad, if it was the people wouldnt make them in sodas and it would be illegal like alchol. i drink soda daily and i get 9 hours of sleep and have a nice six pack..

jhon of WI 1:45PM December 19, 2010

Caffeine is safe, even for children. This is confirmed by the compendium of available science. In fact, a 2002 literature review published in Food Chemical Toxicology found that caffeine effects on children ‘seem to be modest and typically innocuous.’ And these findings were once again confirmed in two significant studies published in 2006.
Also, earlier this year, the beverage industry successfully implemented its School Beverage Guidelines, which remove full-calorie sodas from all schools and replace them with lower-calorie, nutritious and smaller-portion beverage options. These guidelines have slashed beverage calories in schools by a dramatic 88 percent.
Importantly, we need to teach our children to consume all foods and beverages in moderation. That, along with regular physical activity, is the key to living a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle.
For more information, please visit www.ameribev.org
- American Beverage Association

Jessica Badger of DC 12:56PM December 17, 2010