A research by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2011), on caffeine effects, stirred the debate on whether should kids drink coffee. Some decades ago, it was thought coffee caused stunted growth among children under eighteen years. Although there is a positive report out there and seems to have given a green light on caffeine use, too much caffeine does not augur well with kids health. The following caffeine limits should be observed for kids:

• Age 4 to 6 - 45 milligrams
• Age 7 to 9 - 62.5 milligrams
• Age 10 to 12 – 85 milligrams
• And lastly, a maximum of 2.5 milligrams should be added for every additional kilogram (2.2 pounds)

Bad Effects of Coffee to Children

Coffee is a source of beneficial nutrients, antioxidant and a disease inhibitor to adults. But when it comes to children of below 18 years, things turn haywire and professional advice is key. Below are the bad effects of coffee.

1. Insomnia

If you were wondering whether is coffee bad for kids; with insomnia as a common feature of caffeine, coffee usage among kids should be limited. Caffeine is a stimulant that remains in a human bloodstream for eight hours plus. Owing to the fact that children aged between one and three years old need 12 to 14 hours of sleep, those aged five to twelve years need 11-12 hours and 9-10 hours of sleep for teenagers, coffee can seriously interfere with their sleep.

2. Cavities and teeth staining

A mixture of coffee and milk plus sugar cause cavities and teeth staining. The acidic level of pH5 contained in coffee severely affects kids' teeth enamel. If the enamel is destroyed or weakened, it might take a couple of years to regain the normal hardness. This gets even worse for teenagers who have already shed their milk teeth.

3. Effect on bone development

Teenagers and children are still growing. They need many nutrients for bones, muscles, and body organ development. Calcium is vital for bones, but coffee intake can cause urination frequency increase, a condition by which a lot of calcium can be lost. Medically, it is recorded that 100 mg of caffeine intake causes a loss of six milligrams of body calcium through urine excretion.

4. Decreased appetite

If children below 18 years do not eat well, their bodies will experience nutritional deficiency. In case parents or guardians are torn between the decision on whether children should drink coffee, the answer is yes, but of limited quantity. Coffee content acts as an appetite suppressant. Bearing in mind children need an appetite to eat well and get necessary nutrients, caffeine consumption should be limited.

5. Hyperactivity

Any parent or guardian will confirm that dealing with a hyperactive kid is difficult. This is why caffeine is not recommended to be taken in excess by children. Coffee is a hyper-stimulant so should only be given in limited amounts to kids. And when it comes to school work, a hyperactive kid finds it difficult to concentrate due to restlessness.

6. Mood swings and anxiety

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. When the CNS is affected, the human brain is tricked into producing serotonin and dopamine hormones which are responsible for mood swings, agitation, and anxiety.

7. It is addictive

Caffeine is no different from other addictive drugs. People who are used to taking a coffee can experience withdrawal symptoms in the morning. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue or an inability to function normally unless more caffeine is taken. When a child has these symptoms, the result can be very devastating. Kids must limit caffeine intake to avoid the side effects of addiction.

What are the Sources of Caffeine

As a parent, the concern whether is coffee bad for kids does not end with limiting coffee intake. There are other caffeine sources that need to be watched too. Although the professional advice is essential to this source selection, as a parent, more is needed to win the fight against extra caffeine intake. Below are some other caffeine sources.

1. Soft drinks and energy drinks

Some soft and energy drinks like cola, root beer, sodas, vitamin water energy drinks, and ginger ale are sources of caffeine. The United State Food and Drug Administration says that about 12-ounces of such drinks can supply 20 to 70 milligrams of caffeine.

2. Tea

Two types of brewed tea, namely green tea and black tea, are sources of caffeine too. That is why tea is mostly taken in the morning because it is a stimulant. An 8-ounce cup of green tea or black tea contain 25 milligrams and 47 milligrams of caffeine respectively. Lastly, instant tea has an average of 26 mg of caffeine content.

3. Chocolate bars

Cocoa, a product used to make a beverage, is also used to make chocolate bars, and it contains caffeine. Some families will substitute coffee for tea or cocoa, but they all contain the same property and that is caffeine. One chocolate bar of about 160 grams with 45% – 60% of cocoa can yield up to 70 milligrams of caffeine.

4. Ice cream

Ice creams are made using chocolate, a byproduct of cocoa beans which is a known source of caffeine. A half cup of ice cream can contain up to 45 milligrams of caffeine. That is why ice cream consumption must be watched too.

Caffeine is one substance often contained in consumer foods and drinks loved by children. It might be hard to keep them off such substances. The best alternative a guardian or a parent has is to consult a professional for advice. Also, the above reference guidelines should be adhered to for every child's safety.