As the 8:45 a.m. bell rings at Summit High School, tired students slump into their chairs with a groan, bracing themselves for the long day to come. Sprinkled on many desktops are a variety of colored drinks ranging from cans of cold brew to cups of cold foam lattes. Everyone collectively pulls out their notebooks, smiles fade as they start the day’s lesson, and all hope of escape dies. Thankfully, their morning caffeine is there to pick them up.
Let’s be honest: many of us love caffeine. Whether it’s a giant iced latte or a Dutch Bros Rebel, caffeine keeps us going and keeps smiles on our faces. Coffee culture isn’t just popular among high school students—it’s a global phenomenon. Caffeine has become a daily habit that’s been increasingly hard to shake, and for some, this dependency comes with a side of debilitating health consequences.
According to the International Coffee Association, the second wave of coffee culture emerged in the late 20th century, led by brands like Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee. This popularized specialty drinks like flavored lattes and cappuccinos, transforming coffee into a social experience. A few years later, third-wave coffee culture took over (think: Lone Pine, Backporch and Still Vibrato), as roasters and customers alike became obsessed with high quality, ethically sourced beans and refined brewing techniques. Café culture flourished, providing spaces to gather, work and relax. The focus on espresso-based beverages and strong branding helped make coffee shops a global fixture of modern urban life.
But this rise in consumption raises concerns, especially for teenagers. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that adolescents aged 12 to 18 should limit their daily caffeine intake to 100 milligrams—about one cup of coffee. Despite this, studies show that around 73% of teens consume caffeine daily, often exceeding the recommended limit. For adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day—roughly four cups of coffee—is generally considered safe. And experts remind that excessive intake can lead to issues like insomnia, increased heart rate and anxiety.
At Summit this trend, and its effects, span across all age groups and student types. Summit Nurse Pam Orton observes that caffeine intake—particularly in the form of large, sugary drinks—appears steady among many students.
“The main commonality that stands out to me is that it is consumed in large amounts and in combination with high amounts of sugar,” said Orton. “[These drinks] typically exceed the daily recommended intake of both caffeine and sugar. This combination not only creates a cycle of energy crashes and dependence but also contributes to long-term health issues like obesity and dental decay.”
Students have varied reasons for their caffeine habits. Caffeine can be utilized to increase energy and productivity as well as part of a daily routine. Freshman Anna Brueggemann drinks coffee almost daily as a pick-me-up when she’s tired and enjoys “something sweet like a mocha.”
In contrast, sophomore Summit soccer player Solari Brumder prefers less caffeinated options, stating, “I like chai lattes or matcha, occasionally, when I want a fun treat.” She also points out that she doesn’t like the taste of coffee and that she’s heard a lot about the side effects of energy drinks, not feeling that the amount of caffeine is necessary.
The health effects of excessive caffeine consumption are significant. While moderate use can make you feel on top of the world and boost both alertness and focus, overuse can lead to lower quality sleep, increased heart rate, anxiety and dependence.
“Caffeine consumed later in the day has the potential to disrupt sleep,” Orton explained. “I see this often with students who are up late cramming for tests or finishing assignments.”
Orton reports that this caffeine crutch and the resulting lack of sleep often leads to anxiety symptoms, like a racing heart and jitters. Brueggemann agrees, and even points out that on days where she doesn’t have any caffeine, she’ll feel anxious about not having it that day.
To address these issues, it’s important for students to balance their caffeine use with healthy habits. Orton suggests limiting caffeine to 100 milligrams per day, consuming caffeinated beverages early in the day, and staying hydrated. For those seeking alternatives, she recommends flavored sparkling water or gum as effective pick-me-ups without the negative effects of caffeine.
Recognizing the symptoms of excessive caffeine intake is crucial to maintaining future health. If symptoms occur, reducing intake gradually can help avoid withdrawal effects like headaches and fatigue.
The modern school environment also influences caffeine habits. Both stress over grades and extracurriculars combined with the urgency to bulk up resumes for colleges results in an overpacked schedule that requires an exorbitant amount of energy. This need for energy is often filled by the stimulant caffeine. Many students bring caffeinated drinks into the building at the start of the day or after lunch, normalizing the behavior. External factors, including influencer promotion and marketing of new drinks from large chains like Starbucks, contribute to the trend.
“Various social, environmental and physiological factors influence teenagers’ caffeine consumption,” Orton noted. Collectively, “things like peer pressure and trendy beverages play a significant role.”
Brueggemann notes, “I definitely think there is some pressure from friends. Especially when there are new drops and [drinks] that are ‘so good and you have to try them’ or if they think you should try just a sip.”
Educational efforts are in place to inform students about the potential risks of excessive caffeine consumption. Whenever a student comes into the nurse’s office with symptoms related to excess caffeine consumption Nurse Pam Orton will go over all the potential risks associated and what to look out for in the future. Not only is it discussed in the nurse’s office but the topic is also covered in health class. However, Orton believes more attention to the matter is needed, as large daily doses of caffeine have become normalized in the school community. The real problem isn’t just caffeine; it’s how teens use it to keep up with life.
Whether it’s friends hyping the latest Dutch Bros drink or students trying to stay ahead of a never-ending to-do list, caffeine is an easy fix. We’re not addressing the real issues: too little sleep, too many activities. Instead, we just caffeinate our way through. The CDC recommends that teenagers get at least eight hours of sleep per night, yet many fall short due to packed schedules. To prevent caffeine from running our lives, it’s crucial to evaluate our sleep habits and workload for long-term health.
For students feeling overwhelmed by their schedules, Orton advises prioritizing tasks, using planners or digital calendars, taking regular breaks and practicing stress management techniques. Experts at the CDC also suggest that students balance academics and extracurriculars by setting realistic priorities and ensuring they have at least one to two hours of free time daily for relaxation and socializing.
“Instead of relying on caffeine, I would encourage students to utilize healthy tools to manage schedule overwhelm,” she suggested.
