Caffeine consumption among younger age groups is becoming increasingly normalized, with several effects on student life.
It seems that caffeinated beverages have not only been popularized for their energy and focus impacts but have also been socially driven through social media and cafe study spaces. Coffee shops have become a staple in daily routines, where many people rely on them for caffeinated beverages. Although many people like the taste, ‘caffeine culture’ has been influenced by the idealized effects it can have on individuals in a work environment.
While research regarding the effects of caffeine on mental health and stress has been somewhat inconclusive, some sources, like UCLA Health, suggest that “caffeine can worsen existing anxiety.” In connection, anxiety is one of the most common mental struggles that teens face. According to The National Library of Medicine, “roughly 30% of adolescents will experience an anxiety‐related disorder, a statistic that is continuing to rise.”
Skyline Freshman Lara Mehinovic, who describes her caffeine consumption as a “regular” activity, says, depending on the day, it will “really stress [her] out.” Although she drinks caffeine for the taste and the effects, some students may underestimate the influence it can have on their bodies. Mehinovic says, “It makes me shake a lot, [and] I get really energetic.” She describes how the amount of food she eats while consuming caffeine makes a big difference when it comes to the physical impacts.
Some students might not have or mind these side effects, but academic ability could become problematic if these drinks are affecting focus. It is quite common to see students carrying a coffee or energy drink during passing periods or sitting in class. Mehinovic explains how the effects can vary a lot from day to day or based on the type of drink. She says that it gets hard to focus, but especially in “classes that [she] struggles with.”
High school students tend to have earlier schedules but also benefit from more sleep than other age groups, and therefore, sleep is very important in their routine. If caffeine is a regular part of their day, students should be aware of how much caffeine they are consuming to avoid dependency, and how late they are drinking it, so their sleep schedule is not interrupted.
Many find that they benefit from caffeine in moderation to be productive. As stated by the American Health Association, “it can […] have positive effects on alertness, cognitive function, and athletic function. But as we indulge in our favorite caffeinated beverages, there are also some concerns about excessive consumption and potential health risks.” As caffeinated beverages grow more common among teens, they could benefit from being educated about their effects, both positive and negative. Mehinovic says, “In schools, they rarely ever talk about caffeine or the effects [of] it, [and I think] that they should talk more about it so more kids stay away from it.”
Eloise Young, a health and fitness-related teacher, was asked about caffeine in the education requirements. Health is required and is one of the few, if only, classes that briefly talk about caffeine and its relevance. Young says, “No,” caffeine is not a big part of the health curriculum at school. She believes “it should” be more prevalent in the curriculum, as she has noticed an increase in energy drinks around school and recognizes their risks. Although “we [do] touch on it [in class], we could do more.”
