It’s no secret that teenagers run on caffeine, and this is especially true at Diamond Bar, with an academically competitive atmosphere, numerous extracurricular activities, and ruined sleep schedules. Everyone has experienced cramming for a test on just a few hours of sleep, or waking up at 6 in the morning for practice or zero-period. Making caffeine more accessible to students will improve their quality of life, allowing them to focus and concentrate. 

Although caffeinated drinks aren’t currently sold here, the ExtraMile gas station across the street and the Starbucks, located less than a mile away, make it very convenient for students to purchase them. Even if students aren’t able to visit these locations before school, a sizable number of students bring drinks like Celsius or simply brew coffee from home. 

Since there’s no doubt that caffeine is already an integral part of the students’ lifestyles, the school should embrace that fact and make caffeine even more accessible to students. By doing so, students won’t have to arrive early or leave campus, saving students time. Besides, not everyone can buy caffeine outside of school, so making it available for students ensures fairness and equity. Students with parents who drop them off late, or who don’t have money for a $6 coffee from Starbucks every day, shouldn’t be at a disadvantage.

Not only will it benefit the students, but the school can also profit from it. A 2014 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that over seventy percent of teens consume caffeinated drinks daily, be it soda, coffee, or an energy drink. Thus, if the school made caffeine available, it’s likely that at least a quarter of the student population will purchase it regularly, earning them a substantial amount of profit from markups that can be utilized to fund programs.

Caffeine may cause health problems when regularly consumed in large quantities, but that applies to any age group. Common effects like poor sleep, energy crashes, and digestive issues can be effectively mitigated through building responsible and sustainable habits. In fact, our school, through the sale of caffeinated drinks, should actively educate students about the benefits and risks of caffeine, and how to consume it responsibly. Moreover, selling caffeine on campus gives our school the chance to set guidelines for it. For example, the school can cap drinks at certain sizes, mandate clear labels that show caffeine content, and limit the amount a student can buy daily.

Caffeinated drinks have become a staple in our society, and students will inevitably become exposed to them soon, if they already haven’t. Banning caffeine won’t stop its consumption; it only makes it less safe for students. But making caffeinated drinks available on campus and educating students on responsible use is one step the school can take towards improving our overall well-being.