From Energy Drinks to Vaping: What Today’s ‘Normal’ Teen Habits Are Really Doing to Their Health

drcharnetta
Aug 19
3 min read

If you’re parenting a tween or teen, you’ve probably noticed how much has changed since we were growing up. Today’s kids face a whole new set of "normal" habits, things that are not only common but often dismissed as harmless. Energy drinks before school, endless scrolling at night, and even vaping in the school bathroom have quietly become part of everyday teen culture. But here’s the truth: these habits are far from harmless.

I’m Dr. Charnetta, Board-Certified Pediatrician, Communication Strategist, Parent & Teen Coach and I’m deeply passionate about helping families thrive during the wild, wonderful journey of raising tweens and teens. I see the effects of these choices in my office and in the families I work with. Let’s break down some of the most common habits and why they deserve a second look.

1. Energy Drinks: The Hidden Jolt

Walk into any convenience store, and you’ll see walls lined with brightly colored cans promising energy, focus, and performance. For tweens and teens, the appeal is obvious: stay awake for school, fit in with friends, or get that extra edge before sports practice.

But here’s what’s really happening:

Excess caffeine disrupts sleep, worsens anxiety, and can even trigger heart palpitations in young bodies.
Sugar overload leads to energy crashes, mood swings, and contributes to long-term risks like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Dependency - the more they rely on energy drinks to function, the harder it is to manage without them.

Bottom line: Energy drinks are marketed as performance boosters, but for developing brains and bodies, they’re more like performance drainers.

2. Screen Time and Sleep: The Silent Disruptor

Another “normal” habit is late-night scrolling. Whether it’s TikTok, Snapchat, or YouTube, many teens admit they’re on their phones well past bedtime.

The problem?

Blue light exposure tricks the brain into thinking it’s daytime, making it harder to fall asleep.
Sleep deprivation impacts mood, focus, and even immune function.
Mental health toll - more screen time at night is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression.

Sleep might feel negotiable to teens, but for their brains, it’s essential fuel.

3. Vaping: The “Safer” Myth

Perhaps the most concerning trend is vaping. Marketed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, vaping has exploded in popularity among tweens and teens. Sleek devices, candy-like flavors, and social media trends have made it seem almost harmless.

Here’s the truth:

Nicotine addiction - teens get hooked faster, and nicotine can rewire developing brains.
Respiratory risks -vaping is linked to lung damage and chronic cough (trust me, I’m seeing this in the office).
Gateway behavior - vaping increases the likelihood of future cigarette smoking or substance use.
Mental health connection - nicotine use can worsen anxiety and mood swings, even though teens may think it “calms” them.

Vaping isn’t just a trend. It’s a trap designed to keep kids hooked. And furthermore, most schools have strict rules related to vaping which can land your kids in big trouble.

4. Why Parents Should Pay Attention

Individually, these habits all pose a problem but together, they create a cycle of poor sleep, weakened focus, increased anxiety, and declining health. What worries me most is how normalized these habits have become. When “everyone is doing it,” it’s easy to miss the long-term consequences.

5. What Parents Can Do

The good news: parents aren’t powerless. You can make a huge impact with consistent, open conversations and small changes at home.

Model balance - show your teen how you manage stress, sleep, and health without relying on quick fixes.
Ask, don’t accuse - instead of “Are you vaping?” try “What are kids at school saying about vaping?” to open dialogue.
Set boundaries - establish tech-free bedtime routines and limit access to energy drinks at home.
Offer healthier swaps - encourage water, natural sports drinks, and consistent sleep schedules.
Stay informed - the more you know about these habits, the better you can guide your teen.

Final Thoughts

Energy drinks, late-night scrolling, and vaping may feel like “normal” tween and teen habits, but normal doesn’t always mean healthy. As parents, your role isn’t to bubble-wrap your kids from the world, it’s to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and support to make better choices.

Because when it comes to their health, “normal” should never mean “risky.”

XOXO,

Dr. Charnetta