As a teenager in high school, it’s very common to see others with an energy drink in hand. Waking up early, spending 7–8 hours at school, participating in sports, or working a job after school are all reasons why students may turn to caffeinated drinks.  

Students have various reasons for drinking energy drinks. 

Monica Ibrahim (10) drinks energy drinks so she doesn’t fall asleep at school. “I might fail my classes, and I can’t do that,” she said.  

Jack Burke (12) drinks energy drinks because he has a busy schedule and doesn’t get enough sleep. “I tend to believe that an energy drink will get me through the day,” 

“Energy drinks offer quick energy, but they steal sleep, stress the heart, and build habits that harm your overall health. The tradeoff isn’t worth the boost,” health science teacher at Clear Springs, Ms. Yocum said. 

However, caffeine can have harmful effects on teens. Energy drinks, with their colorful cans and sweet flavors, are designed to be addictive. Children’s Hospital of Orange County states that high caffeine intake can increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, cause anxiety, disrupt sleep, and even lead to dependence.  

Over time, regular consumption can negatively affect both physical health and mental focus, making energy drinks more harmful than helpful.