Skip to main content

Should kids drink coffee or is it harmful for them?

Does this morning scenario sound familiar? You and your family are heading out the door when suddenly, you hear the infamous question, “Can I try some of your coffee?”

Yes, your child has noticed that traveling mug in your hand almost every morning, and consequently, has developed a curiosity about the taste. Why not? Sometimes that mug radiates inviting aromas of pumpkin spice or caramel mocha. So, should kids drink coffee?

Recommended Videos

We have the answer and more information about whether coffee is a good idea.

grandmother bringing snack to teen
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Should kids drink coffee

While this question can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” you might consider proceeding with caution or waiting altogether. In fact, according to an article published by Johns Hopkins Medicine, the FDA doesn’t have set standards for caffeine consumption in children and youth. However, the American Pediatric Society recommends holding off on coffee until a person reaches adulthood.

Nonetheless, some youngsters incorporate the morning cup of joe at an early age. In a 2017 report of a study conducted in 1999 to 2000, published by Pediatrics, coffee made up a tenth of the caffeine consumption by children between the ages of 2 to 11. Ten years later, that figure increased to 24%. Regardless of the effects, there appears to be an upward trend of coffee being the beverage of choice for kids.

Effects of caffeine

Nonetheless, caffeine comes with its own set of adverse effects. These effects, which vary depending on the child’s age, weight, and tolerance, include:

  • Increased alertness to hyperactivity
  • Increased anxiety
  • Acid reflux (especially if too much caffeine is ingested)
  • Heightened blood pressure and heart rate
  • Sleep disturbance

These symptoms usually indicate that the amount of caffeine surpassed a “normal” level, so care must be taken when children drink any beverage that contains this stimulant. Furthermore, a teen can forget how much caffeine he or she has taken in one day—especially when you consider sodas, coffee, and/or energy drinks all contain caffeine.

Can kids develop a coffee addiction?

Some experts agree that coffee can be addicting and that the withdrawal symptoms are not a figment of your imagination. These symptoms often include:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety (if the person has been drinking coffee for a while)
  • Difficulty with concentrating
  • Changes in mood
  • Tremors
  • Overall low energy level

If you have a tween or teen who has developed a coffee habit—even just a cup a day—to power through the usual routine, you might need to address this concern with your pediatrician. Your child’s fatigue might originate from another physical or mental health issue. Also, you should consider the fact that caffeine is actually a psychoactive substance, particularly a stimulant which can trigger dependency, if not addiction.

friends having coffee together
Image used with permission by copyright holder

At what age can a child drink coffee?

Some dieticians argue that parents should wait until age 18 since coffee can pack on empty calories with its content of sugar, cream, and other flavorings in addition to its addicting factor and effects on mood. Others recommend starting with limited small amounts for prepubescent children. Basically, you would have to look at your child’s overall well-being and age and weigh those factors against any possible risks. For teenagers, you would have to consistently monitor them or remind them that caffeine comes from multiple sources to ensure they never experience serious illness from ingesting too much of the substance.

Are there any benefits to drinking coffee?

You may have heard of the benefits that coffee offers, such as decreased risk of stroke, heart conditions, and some cancers. Also, coffee does contain antioxidants that fight free radicals that contribute to Alzheimer’s and Type 2 Diabetes. However, doctors can’t ensure that these advantages carry over from childhood to adulthood since no definitive studies have been conducted on this matter.

All in all, you might need to tell your child to wait a while, preferably until they become an adult, before trying the first cup of java. When pondering the question “Should kids drink coffee,” you should also ask yourself if the practice is worth the risk. The marked effects on mood and energy level might be just enough to put off coffee for as long as possible. Nonetheless, your child will look back on this decision with clarity and gratitude.

Leslie Anderson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Leslie Anderson is a freelance writer/writing coach from Roswell, N.M. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and helping students…
Keep your child entertained with the best podcasts for kids
These family-friendly podcasts are just for the kiddos
Young boy listening to a podcast on a walk

Podcasts are a wonderful distraction when boredom creeps in. How many times have you been on a long family car ride when the arguing starts in the backseat just because the kiddos are bored? Those games on the smartphone only go so far. So, before resorting to sounding like your parents on a road trip, explore the endless possibilities of podcasts.

Adults love them and there's also a wide range of podcasts geared specifically toward children, tweens, and even teens. Of course, everyone has a podcast these days, which means the options are extensive. Don't worry, though. We've got a list of go-to podcasts for kids you can keep in your back pocket when you need to keep the family entertained.
Podcasts for kids

Read more
Help your child de-stress with these brain breaks for kids
These brain breaks will help your kiddos reboot and reset their minds and bodies
A child and parent on the floor talking.

Emotional outbursts and children shutting down when faced with a problem are a part of learning and growing up. While a child can't sit in the car for 10 minutes to calm down after work before walking into the house, there are ways for parents to help their child de-stress to lower their anxiety level so they can refocus.

Brain breaks will give kids healthy coping mechanisms later in life if they get into the habit now. Do these fun and amazing brain breaks for kids when they get home from school, are stuck on an activity at home, or anytime you notice your child needs one.
Breaks that get your child moving

Read more
No caffeine required: 11 fun Starbucks drinks for kids
Keep your child calm and caffeine free with these Starbucks drinks for kids
A girl outside with a Starbucks drink.

Every parent has had to stop at a Starbucks to grab one more coffee to make it through the day. If the kids are in the car, you know you will order drinks — and every kind of cake pop they have — for your child. While water from Starbucks just hits differently, if you treat yourself, those kids should get something fun, too. Aside from letting a child run around with a caffeinated beverage, we have Starbucks drinks for kids every parent needs to know about. 
Easy drinks to please most kids

These tasty go-to drinks at Starbucks usually please everyone.
Chocolate milk
We know you can make this at home, but kids love chocolate milk. Instead of the boxed kind from Horizon out front that your child will drink down in two gulps, ask for handmade chocolate milk. Your child could always get regular milk with vanilla for a kick or try strawberry milk if they feel adventurous.
Hot chocolate
Although this one technically has a little caffeine, it's not a lot. If your child likes their drink hot, nothing beats a hot chocolate on a cool day. The same is true when you order a mocha; your child can have regular hot chocolate, white hot chocolate, zebra hot chocolate, or vanilla hot chocolate.
Lemonade
Starbucks usually has a rotating lineup of lemonades your child will love to try. From regular to strawberry puree, you can't go wrong with a refreshing lemonade. See if your location has any employee creations to try or has a seasonal flavor.
Blended lemonade
When it's a little hotter out, and a frozen drink would keep your child cool, a blended lemonade would do the trick. Starbucks takes a regular lemonade and blends it up to a slushy consistency for an additional texture your children will enjoy. Strawberry is a favorite, but see what other options your local one has.
Babyccino
While you won't see a Babyccino on the menu, order your little one steamed milk with added foam on top. To take it up a notch, ask for a drizzle of flavored syrup.
Apple cider
While only seasonal, no child can resist the call of a hot apple cider from Starbucks. There is something about that first one of the year, like how adults are with their pumpkin spice.
More creative drinks for the kids

Read more