Why Teens Should Avoid Caffeine—And It’s Not Just About Stunted Growth

You've probably heard the old saying that drinking coffee will "stunt your growth." While that might be an old wives' tale, science now suggests caffeine could be dangerous for teens.

The New Health Guidelines

🚫 Kids and teens between 5 and 18 years old should never have caffeine, according to new health recommendations.

🚫 They should also limit juice and flavoured milk while avoiding sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners.

✔️ Instead, water and plain milk are the best choices for growing bodies.

Why Is Caffeine So Bad for Teens?

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects younger bodies differently than adults. Too much caffeine can lead to:

⚡ Sleep issues
⚡ High blood pressure
⚡ Anxiety
⚡ Caffeine withdrawal (yes, teens can experience headaches, irritability, and fatigue if they go without it!)

Related: What’s a Bad Habit You’re Not Willing to Change?

But Cutting Caffeine Isn’t Easy

☕ Coffee culture is huge—many teens love their daily Starbucks or energy drinks.
🍫 Caffeine hides in unexpected places like chocolate bars, protein bars, energy-boosting gums, and herbal drinks.
⚡ Nearly 25% of teens report having caffeine “most days” of the week.

The Bottom Line

While banning caffeine entirely might feel impossible, limiting it is a smart move for a teen’s long-term health. Maybe Grandma was onto something after all! 👵🏼☕🚫