In recent years, energy drinks have surged in popularity, particularly among teenagers and young adults. This has sparked a debate across social media, leaving many parents and doctors asking the same question: Are energy drinks safe? More specifically, are they safe for children?

To answer this question, it’s important to understand what gives energy drinks their energized feeling. The answer lies in a combination of high levels of caffeine and artificial sweeteners that stimulate the nervous system, creating a state of heightened alertness and energy. While these effects may seem appealing, caffeine is a stimulant that tends to be addictive and often results in extreme dependency when consumed regularly. Since the nervous system works at a faster rate, once the sugars wear off it often results in decreased levels of blood glucose, commonly referred to as a “sugar crash.” Dr. Robert Lustig warns against frequent high sugar intake and expresses that doing so can lead to “fatigue, hunger, and irritability, all leading to a cycle of overconsumption.” While most people intake these drinks to focus, the drawbacks that follow cause the opposite effect while simultaneously creating a caffeine addiction. 

On the other hand, the FDA recommends that the maximum amount of caffeine a healthy person can intake is 400 milligrams per day. Although some less known drinks come close to the limit, like Rockstar energy, most more mainstream drinks stay well beneath that limit, at around 120-180 milligrams, like Red Bull, Celsius, Bloom, Alani, and Monster.  

North students were interviewed for their opinions regarding the matter:

“I love them. This morning I didn’t drink one and I felt so tired. I’m addicted.” – Mackenzie Zitofsky 

“Too much caffeine. It’s not needed.” – Jonathan Espinal 

“Teens these days. I see them drinking it in the hallways and I’m just like, stop it. Get some help. They aren’t a substitute for sleep.” – Ethan Zaidman

“I think they can be useful in the mornings, especially if you don’t like the taste of coffee.” – Malia Stephen 

“Very bad. Why get artificial energy when you can get real ones?” – Jaylen Paul

“It’s like cigarettes and vapes. Cigarettes are the original and studies say that it’s bad for you. . . same thing with coffee and energy drinks. They make something new, that’s just as addictive to gain the younger audience.” — Rafik Beshay

As well as some teachers:

“In college I used to drink one Celsius a day. Then I went cold turkey. Depending on the drink, it can contain an unhealthy amount of caffeine.” — Senor Yapor

“I don’t think energy drinks are good for anyone.  There is too much caffeine and artificial ingredients.” — Mrs.Venusio

While these testimonies show a wide variety of opinions, most people tend to agree that while they do taste good, their negative effects outweigh the pros. Overall, through doctor recommendations and personal North interviews,  the general consensus is that energy drinks are harmful, particularly for youth consumption.