Why Children Should Avoid Low-Dose Caffeine in Drinks

It’s common to hear parents tell their kids not to drink coffee—but more families are now taking children to coffee chains. With sugary sodas falling out of favor among youth, many kids are turning to coffee and energy drinks instead. Yet recent research confirms that caffeine isn’t safe for children, even in what seem like harmless amounts.

Kids should avoid caffeine until at least age 17 or 18. Even low doses—from half a can of cola or one cup of coffee—affect children’s cardiovascular systems. Research shows these doses raise blood pressure and can lower heart rate as the body compensates, especially in adolescent boys.

What the Study Found About Caffeine and Kids

Published on June 16 in the journal Pediatrics, a study examined how low-dose caffeine affects children aged 8–9 and adolescents aged 15–17. Researchers gave controlled amounts of caffeine to 52 younger children and 49 teens and measured physiological responses.

In both age groups, caffeine consistently raised blood pressure and lowered heart rate. This counterintuitive drop in heart rate happens because the heart slows down to compensate for increased blood pressure. At higher doses, the effect reverses and the heart speeds up. These cardiovascular changes were seen even at levels equivalent to a single serving of coffee or soda—amounts previously assumed safe for kids.

Why Boys Experience Stronger Effects Than Girls

The study found no significant gender differences in the 8–9 year-old group. But among the 15–17 year-olds, boys showed a markedly stronger cardiovascular response to caffeine than girls. Their blood pressure rose more and their heart rate dipped further, showing that puberty intensifies caffeine’s impact—especially in males.

Long-Term Risks and Expert Warnings

Researchers warn that even short-term effects warrant caution. Long-term impacts remain unclear, but the lack of any proven benefit means avoidance is best. Dr. Kevin Shannon of UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital emphasized avoiding caffeine while the body is still developing. Dr. Jennifer Temple from the University at Buffalo, the study’s lead author, added that particularly active or sleep-deprived children have no need for caffeine—and should avoid it.

Caffeine Consumption Trends Among Youth

Despite expert advice, caffeine intake among teens is rising. A report found that 17–18 year-olds now consume nearly twice as much caffeine from coffee compared to ten years ago. Meanwhile, soda consumption among children has dropped—but researchers suspect this is because kids are switching to coffee and energy drinks, not quitting caffeine altogether.

Jessica Lieb, a registered dietitian at Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital, stated that children shouldn’t consume caffeine at all. She recommends waiting until at least age 18, and even then, adults should limit intake. While moderate coffee consumption offers benefits for adults, children miss out on essential nutrients when they drink caffeinated beverages, many of which also contain added sugar.

The Greatest Danger: Energy Drinks

Among caffeinated drinks, energy drinks are the most concerning. Dr. Steven Lipshultz of Wayne State University School of Medicine and Michigan’s Children’s Hospital warned that high doses of caffeine can dangerously elevate blood pressure and trigger life-threatening arrhythmias. These doses may also cause seizures and other neurological issues.

Dr. Lipshultz and colleagues found that 50% of caffeine-related poisoning reports in children under 6 came from energy drinks. These young children don’t buy the drinks themselves—the responsibility lies with parents who leave them accessible at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does caffeine affect children’s blood pressure and heart rate?

Even low doses of caffeine, like those in a can of cola or a cup of coffee, raise blood pressure and can lower heart rate in children. The heart slows to compensate for the increased blood pressure. In teens, especially boys, these effects are more pronounced during puberty.

At what age is it safe for kids to consume caffeine?

Experts recommend children avoid caffeine until at least age 17 or 18. No safe level has been established for younger children, and even small doses affect their cardiovascular system.

Do boys and girls react differently to caffeine?

In younger children (8–9), there’s no significant difference. But in teens (15–17), boys show a stronger response to caffeine, with greater increases in blood pressure and larger decreases in heart rate compared to girls.

Are energy drinks worse for kids than coffee or soda?

Yes. Energy drinks often contain very high doses of caffeine that can dangerously raise blood pressure, cause arrhythmias, and even trigger seizures. Reports show many poisonings in young children involve energy drinks left at home.

Why are more teens drinking coffee instead of soda?

Soda consumption among children is declining, but teens are drinking more coffee. Research shows caffeine intake from coffee has nearly doubled in 17–18 year-olds over the past decade, as kids shift from soda to coffee and energy drinks.

What should parents do about caffeine and their kids?

Parents should avoid giving children any caffeinated beverages. Soda, coffee, and especially energy drinks pose unnecessary health risks. Pediatricians recommend waiting until at least age 18, and emphasize that even adults should limit caffeine intake.

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