Hospital for Children

Parent Education - Caring for Kids

Java Jive On Kids, Caffeine

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Adults aren't the only ones downing cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas. Children and teenagers are part of today's coffee craze.

Plenty of young people are spotted every day in neighborhood coffee shops sampling Sumatra, Hazelnut, and French Roast. Is the coffee culture OK for kids?

According to Dr. Herbert Muncie, chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, there is no conclusive evidence that coffee or caffeine is harmful to children. Caffeine, found in coffee, many soft drinks and chocolate, is the most popular stimulant in the world. It is also one of the most studied chemicals.

"Studies have found that caffeine does not impact a child's growth or mental development. It is not connected to ADHD," said Muncie. "In fact, studies have shown that caffeine can help a child with concentration when doing something repetitive."

Contrary to popular belief, Muncie said caffeine is not physically addictive. He acknowledged that some people do become dependent on it and that's why when people stop drinking coffee or soda every day they may experience headaches or fatigue for a day. He said, "We can have side effects, like the jitters and not being able to fall asleep, if we have lots of caffeine."

Muncie cautions parents not to teach children that caffeine is bad. "When they consider it off-limits, it may become more appealing. Parents should put an emphasis on teaching children proper nutrition that includes calcium, vitamins, and quite possibly caffeine in moderation."

This page was last updated on: May 17, 2007.

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