Despite the fact that kids are able to drink caffeine at a lower dose than adults, they tend to have a larger impact on boys than on girls after they reach puberty. An eight-year study by Jennifer Temple, an associate professor at the University at Buffalo, shows that boys are more susceptible to the effects of caffeine after puberty. She started by searching medical literature on caffeine and growing bodies and was shocked to find that boys consumed more caffeine than girls.
While there is no proof that caffeine stunts growth, it does affect the brain and organs of a child. It has an effect on heart rates and blood pressure. It also affects sleep. A lack of sleep affects a child’s ability to stay alert. It may also lead to a cycle of excessive consumption. So it’s important to limit your child’s caffeine intake. And remember that caffeine is toxic when consumed in large doses.