Posted 8/14/2025

Energy drinks are everywhere, in ads, on shelves, and even in the school bags of students who feel the need to stay up all night to complete their assignments or prepare for their exams. Surprisingly, studies reveal that almost one-third of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 consume them regularly. Many teens also rely heavily on these drinks without knowing the consequences. “But are these beverages safe, especially for youngsters?” This concern is increasing day by day among parents who worry about their children’s health. 

Well, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teenagers should avoid caffeine and stimulants. But energy drinks incorporate way more than that. In fact, some of them contain over 300 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than 6 cans of cola. Besides, these drinks are loaded with guarana, taurine, sugar, and herbal stimulants. This combo not only boosts energy but can also be unhealthy and cause problems like shaking hands, stomach issues, anxiety, mood swings, and high blood pressure. 

Beverages like Celsius®, 5-hour ENERGY®, Red Bull®, and Monster® are becoming more and more famous, too. In 2023, Red Bull sales even went up to 7.34 billion U.S. dollars. Although drinks like these are advertised as performance enhancers that sharpen focus and reduce fatigue, the reality is entirely different. Research from PMC states that the combination of ingredients used in these beverages isn’t good at all and can worsen health, not improve it. BBC News even revealed that these drinks can have a negative impact on the mental health of kids. Teens have widely reported restlessness, sleep issues, and signs of depression with regular use. 

And that instant energy kick they promise? It is usually accompanied by a sudden crash, which makes it tough for students to stay concentrated or feel well throughout the day after taking it. With so many red flags, it’s not surprising that health experts and parents seem so worried about its consumption. That’s why some doctors believe energy drinks should be completely restricted for individuals under 19. Instead, adopting healthier habits, such as staying physically fit, drinking water, and having a good sleep routine, can help for a natural energy boost.