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As energy drinks become more common in locker rooms, gas stations and across social media, more teens and young adults are reaching for high\u2011caffeine beverages to keep up with busy schedules. Parents and health experts say the trend is raising new concerns about long\u2011term habits and health risks.<\/p>\n
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports<\/a> that up to half of adolescents now consume energy drinks, despite warnings from pediatricians that children and teens should avoid them altogether. Parents say bright packaging, sweet flavors and constant online marketing make the drinks difficult for kids to ignore.<\/p>\n For some families, the focus is on building healthier routines at home.<\/p>\n Emily Neal, a local parent, said her household emphasizes water, electrolytes and moderation over energy drinks.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, we really need to look at where we\u2019re getting those vitamins from, and it\u2019s important to be looking at what we\u2019re giving our kids,\u201d Neal said.<\/p>\n Other parents take a more flexible approach.<\/p>\n Lauren Grabowski said her daughters may occasionally have an energy drink before early morning gymnastics meets, but she closely monitors how much caffeine they consume.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo or three Red Bulls a month, I don\u2019t think is going to hurt them,\u201d Grabowski said. \u201cIt\u2019s a once\u2011in\u2011a\u2011while situation.\u201d<\/p>\n Some experts say the conversation also needs to include parents\u2019 own habits. Strength coach and father Tyler Travis said kids often mirror what they see at home.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat am I doing that my kids are watching?\u201d Travis said. \u201cIf we\u2019re chasing energy as well \u2014 if we\u2019re reaching for the energy drink or two to three cups of coffee every day \u2014 our kids are watching. They\u2019re mimicking what we\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n Travis said many young athletes feel pressure to keep up with long days of school, practice and training. But he believes preparation and healthy routines should come before caffeine.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want athletes to live on preparation and training, so they\u2019re confident on game day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n