Parents Contacting Poison Control Over Accidental Caffeine Exposure in Children Under 6

Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide.

A new study has raised concerns among healthcare professionals as it highlights the increasing exposure of children and teens to caffeine products between 2011 and 2023.

The research, published on January 31, 2025, in The Journal of Medical Toxicology, found that most of the incidents involved children under 6, who experts agree are far too young for caffeine.

Hannah Hays, MD, co-author of the study and medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center, explains, “Caffeine energy products differ from coffees, teas, and sodas in the amount of caffeine they contain. Compared to soda, caffeine energy drinks have significantly more caffeine per serving.”

The study revealed that 98% of caffeine exposure cases among children under 6 were unintentional, with a similar trend observed in children ages 6-12 (56%). Experts suggest these findings emphasize the need for greater awareness regarding the storage and dangers of caffeine products.

The Study on Caffeine Exposure in Kids The study, conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center, analyzed U.S. poison center reports from 2011 to 2023. A total of 32,482 exposures to caffeine energy products were recorded, excluding coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

The study found that the majority of exposures involved:

• Children under 6 (70%)
• Males (57%)
• Liquid forms (58%)

While overall caffeine exposure increased by 17%, certain products saw a significant rise. The most notable increase was in caffeine-containing powders and granules, such as pre-workout supplements, which surged by 633%.

Dr. Hays cautions, “Caffeine powders are highly concentrated, often marketed as supplements or pre-workout drinks, and pose serious risks of overdose if consumed improperly.”

Although more than 80% of exposures didn’t require medical treatment, some cases (1.6%) involved hospital admissions. The most severe cases were linked to tablets, crystals, and capsules.

The Risks of Caffeine for Kids The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, or sports drinks for children. For adolescents aged 12-17, experts recommend limiting caffeine to 100 mg per day (about the amount in an 8-ounce cup of coffee).

Hunter Slemp, DO, a pediatrician at Novant Health Forsyth Pediatrics, warns, “Caffeine can cause agitation, vomiting, nausea, sleep difficulties, and emotional regulation issues.” Serious side effects include increased heart rate and seizures.

Dr. Daniel Ganjian, FAAP, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, adds that caffeine can also lead to dehydration.

Intentional Caffeine Exposure in Teens Although the majority of exposures occurred in younger children, teens aged 13-19 were more likely to experience caffeine-related incidents that required hospitalization. These incidents were more often intentional (61%), with 94% of suspected suicide attempts involving caffeine products in this age group.

Todd Zimmerman, DO, a pediatric emergency physician, advises parents to be vigilant for signs of suicidal thoughts, such as withdrawal from activities, sudden behavior changes, academic struggles, sleep disruptions, or isolation from friends. Parents can also reach out to resources like:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQIA+ youth)

What Parents Can Do If you suspect your child has ingested a large amount of caffeine, seek immediate medical help.

Dr. Ganjian emphasizes the importance of preventing access to caffeine products and educating children about their risks.

• Read labels: Be aware of hidden caffeine sources in foods and drinks.
• Store securely: Keep all caffeinated products, including energy drinks and supplements, in a safe, high cabinet out of children’s reach.
• Use child-resistant containers: Ensure caffeine products are stored in containers that are hard for children to open.
• Keep caffeine separate: Store caffeinated products separately from family shared items to avoid confusion.
• Avoid caffeine drops: These concentrated products, often marketed with flavors, are especially dangerous for children.
• Model healthy use: Parents should demonstrate safe caffeine habits, limiting intake and discussing its effects on health.
• Encourage offline activities: Foster non-digital hobbies and activities to reduce screen time and caffeine consumption.
• Use parental controls: Monitor and limit screen time and app use to ensure it aligns with your family’s values.
• Watch emotional health: If your child exhibits signs of distress after using caffeine, consider adjusting their intake and evaluating their use of specific apps.

Dr. Kristen Miller, Director of Education at Celebree School, emphasizes that parents should focus on fostering offline relationships, teaching empathy, and encouraging social skills to help children navigate their digital lives safely.

Despite efforts to prevent exposure at home, Dr. Zimmerman notes that parents can’t control what happens when their kids are out with friends. However, talking openly about the potential dangers of caffeine is key.

Dr. Slemp concludes, “Make sure your children understand that caffeine is a drug, and when used irresponsibly, it can cause severe health issues.”