Face Off: Should people under the age of 16 be banned from buying coffee?

The trend of drinking coffee, typically considered an “adult” beverage, has spread among children in recent years.

However, considering the myriad of adverse effects linked to the overconsumption of caffeine, regulations need to be put in place to restrict this harmful habit.

As per the Cleveland Clinic, caffeine consumption during the crucial stage of childhood could lead to eventual reliance on caffeine and chronic fatigue.

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Since caffeine has addictive properties, children might become reliant on caffeine to function, particularly since their brains are still developing.

Reliance on caffeine would affect the performance of children in their daily lives, an addiction which could last into adulthood.

Furthermore, chronic fatigue would severely impact the everyday functioning of children. Pages of symptoms are linked to caffeine addiction, including sleep disorders.

Sleep is arguably the most essential part of a child’s day, critical to the growth of their brains and bodies. Without sleep, their long-term maturation would again be impacted.

The after-effects of caffeine far outweigh the short-term benefits. Although caffeine may be able to provide a momentary boost of energy, the payback would be far more costly for children.

In fact, overconsumption of coffee may result in a caffeine crash: a sudden onset of fatigue, drowsiness, sluggishness and a host of other symptoms and side effects.

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Considering the fact that school-age children are required to focus and pay attention to the material being taught in lessons, wouldn’t this go against their very reason for drinking coffee in the first place?

Coffee can affect a child’s performance in school even as they go about their daily duties. Allowing children to consume coffee would stunt their growth and harm their academic performance.

In conclusion, the negatives of allowing children under 16 to purchase coffee far outweigh the positives. A large number of children aged 13 to 18 already consume coffee. It is time for a ban to shield them from adverse effects.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Caffeine can cause side effects such as an increased heart rate, tremors, anxiety and sleep disturbance.

Hence, some argue that children below 16 should be banned from buying coffee.

However, the modestly harmful health effects of coffee are at a different level compared with cigarettes or alcohol, which can cause major life-threatening diseases.

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Furthermore, coffee confers some health benefits, whereas cigarettes and alcohol do not. Coffee contains antioxidants that help to fight certain diseases. Studies have shown that coffee can protect against liver disease, diabetes and even some cancers. Coffee can also reduce stress and help fight depression.

Children and adolescents in Hong Kong are facing a lot of stress or even depression from heavy academic pressure and other interpersonal problems. A cup of coffee may help them better cope with the stress.

It is important to understand that caffeine is also present in energy and soft drinks.

Similar harmful effects can occur if such drinks are consumed in excessive amounts. In fact, soft drinks pose a more significant threat to health than coffee, as the sugar in them increases the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Banning children from buying soft drinks should be considered before banning coffee.

Meeting with friends in a coffee shop is now a trendy activity among youth that could be conducive to good interpersonal relationships. I believe it is rare for children to buy more than a cup of coffee as most probably cannot afford more with their pocket money.

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Children have different sensitivities to caffeine, as some experience no side effects at all. Rather than rely on government regulations, it makes better sense for parents to guide and control the amount of coffee their children can drink a day.

If a child is sensitive to the side effects of caffeine, there is an option of decaffeinated coffee that is free of side effects but still has health benefits.

While it is appropriate to advise children to drink coffee in moderation, banning them from buying coffee is too stringent to be considered.