I realize now - caffeine ruined my pre-teen and teenage years by amplifying my anxiety, making my sleep less restorative, long-term memory worse, no patience for slow learning and methodical thinking (essential for math, programming and natural sciences) and social situations needlessly tense...
As a wiser adult now, I realize my pre-teen and teen year behaviors, thought patterns etc. - all were amplified and sometimes significantly affected by my caffeine consumption.
10-15 years ago, caffeine was still perceived as a non-negotiable "enhancer". People thought black and green teas were completely harmless and coffee, especially those 3-in-1 garbage coffees (fuck you, Nescafe and Nestle) with extreme amounts of sugar and caffeine. Those were very popular and easy to make (just pour boiled water) before energy drinks took over.
I was a great student until I got 24/7 access to the internet - this fried my dopamine receptors. However, as we know, caffeine makes your brain more susceptible to cheap dopamine sources - video games, social media etc.
And caffeine is the enemy of a teenager's ability to comprehend and appreciate long-term thinking - understanding the concepts of "I put in the extra work now, so it pays off later", "slow methodical learning by reading, writing and making notes" etc.
I believe caffeine is the primary intellectual hazard for children, teens and young adults.
Make sure your kids STAY THE FUCK AWAY from caffeine at all costs!