A TikTok video has sparked a wave of debate regarding the age at which children can consume caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee. In the video, which has been viewed by around 2 million people, a young child is shown sipping tea from a cup. Viewers quickly divided into those who found the video amusing and others who felt concerned about allowing a child to drink tea.
The UK Health Authority states that caffeinated beverages are "unsuitable" for infants and young children, including black tea, coffee, energy drinks, and many sodas. Helen Burgess, a nutritionist and founder of Little Cooks Co, told Metro UK that she used to drink tea as a child before bed. However, she noted, "We know more now about caffeine and its effects on the body. Caffeine is a stimulant, and since sleep is crucial during childhood (when a lot of growth and development occurs), we don’t want to put anything in the way of that. It can also temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate."
A fact sheet from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children indicates that if your child enjoys a caffeinated beverage, you should try to limit the amount they consume, and they should not have it after lunch to avoid disrupting their sleep. Nevertheless, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 12 should not consume caffeinated beverages and advises against children or teenagers having energy drinks.
The exact impact of caffeine on children's cardiovascular and nervous systems is not well known. Experts have warned that excessive caffeine consumption can be "dangerous" for children and may lead to increased anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, sleep problems, and acid reflux.
