Korean teens lean on caffeine as other countries tighten access

South Korean teenagers are increasingly relying on caffeine-laden energy drinks, high-caffeine canned beverages, and imported pills to enhance focus and alertness during intense periods of academic pressure, according to recent reports and surveys. This trend contrasts sharply with stricter regulations emerging in other nations, which aim to limit minors' access to highly caffeinated products. In contrast, South Korea continues to depend primarily on warning labels and advisory guidelines rather than imposing direct restrictions. A growing number of students are openly comparing different caffeinated products online, evaluating their effectiveness in improving concentration and reducing fatigue. Teachers have noted this discussion often mirrors classroom behavior, with many students carrying at least one energy drink to school. Some students bring multiple cans or even coffee purchased from cafes, though they typically avoid overt competition regarding caffeine intake. Nevertheless, the perception that consuming these beverages aids academic performance is widespread among students. According to a survey conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute involving 3,384 middle and high school students, nearly two-thirds—61.2 percent, reported having consumed high-caffeine beverages within the past six months. A smaller but notable portion, 10.8 percent, indicated they consumed such drinks more than 10 times a month. Much of this consumption appears to be linked directly to academic activities, with 57.8 percent of respondents using caffeinated beverages while preparing for exams or working on assignments. About half of the surveyed students believed caffeine helped improve concentration, while almost half felt it alleviated fatigue. Regulations governing caffeine content in beverages are set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which classifies drinks with at least 0.15 milligrams of caffeine per milliliter as high-caffeine products. The ministry advises adolescents to consume no more than 2.5 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight daily, roughly equivalent to 150 milligrams for a student weighing around 60 kilograms. Other countries have taken steps to impose stricter controls on youth access to caffeinated products. The United Kingdom recently announced plans to prohibit the sale of beverages containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per liter to individuals under 16 years old starting in April. Similarly, Quebec implemented comparable restrictions earlier this year in June. These measures reflect broader concerns about the potential health risks associated with excessive caffeine consumption among young people. In South Korea, however, no specific age-based sales bans have been enacted. Retail industry experts argue that implementing such restrictions might be challenging due to the variability in caffeine levels across different products and the logistical difficulties of enforcing them across numerous convenience stores and independent cafes. Instead, they suggest focusing on ensuring compliance with current labeling standards and enhancing educational efforts aimed at raising awareness among adolescents about the implications of caffeine consumption. Health professionals emphasize that the primary issue lies not just in the quantity of caffeine consumed but in the belief held by some adolescents that academic success can be significantly influenced by caffeine intake. Professor Lee Hae-kook from The Catholic University of Korea highlighted the potential dangers of developing a dependency on caffeine, noting that repeated exposure could lead to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same stimulating effects. He warned against the notion that cognitive function can be artificially enhanced through highly caffeinated drinks, stressing the importance of addressing underlying beliefs rather than merely regulating product availability.