When children consuming low amounts of caffeine were given a daily dosage equivalent to that of their higher-consuming peers, parents reported that they become more emotional, inattentive and restless. Some of these children were actually misdiagnosed as having attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. In one study, fifth and sixth graders who were deprived of daily caffeine reported having symptoms including trouble thinking clearly, not feeling energetic and getting angry. Even those consuming less than the equivalent of one soda each day felt symptoms. In effect, these children had become dependent on caffeine.
Caffeine can also be harmful to the growing bodies of children.
Large doses of caffeine cause excessive excretion of calcium and magnesium, vital elements for the formation of a normal bone mass. This is exacerbated by the fact that children are less likely now to replace calcium by drinking milk. Milk consumption has plummeted in recent years largely because children are downing soft drinks instead. The phosphoric acid in cola beverages may be particularly detrimental to the health of children. There is evidence that it can cause bone fractures and tooth enamel breakdown.