Starbucks was founded on March 31, 1971.  It was established by two teachers and a writer.  Starbucks is known for their coffee and they have attracted customers of all ages through their drinks.  

Starbucks satisfies its customers with their legendary coffee and a wide variety of other assorted drinks. An endless selection of choices brings pleasure to their teen customers and provides needed energy to finish that pile of homework. Yet some parents voice concern about their children consuming caffeine, and Starbucks has provided some alternatives including decaffeinated choices as well as fruit smoothies, both of which contain little to no caffeine at all. 

Caffeine is not the only problem parents have with their children visiting Starbucks. Those sugary drinks also affect teen teeth.  According to the American Student Dental Association, “Every time you drink a Starbucks Frappuccino, you are coating your teeth with a cavity-causing layer of sugar.”  Most parents who object to Starbucks are primarily concerned with their children consuming caffeine, though sugar may be even more of an issue. “The “healthiest” of the six frappes would be the Lemon Bar Crème with 71 grams of sugar,” the ASDA reports. That’s more than twice the amount of sugar in a can of Coca-Cola.  

Student’s point of view

Starbucks impacts students in different ways.  Some students enjoy their drinks and find Starbucks amazing, while other students don’t completely agree. A few think that Starbucks is inappropriate for children or teens.

Corrine M. said, “If students had coffee or caffeine it should be after school so they won’t be hyper or distracted.”  She believes that if students had caffeine it should only be after school for the purpose of distracting others. She also said,  “Starbucks is helpful when you just need a snack,” and, “Everyone should have access to Starbucks because it is a friendly environment.” Corrine believes that every kid should be entitled to entry to Starbucks because it is a welcoming place.

Mikah C. said some things that were similar and some things that were completely different.  Here is what she said about students drinking Starbucks. “I think that it’s not necessary because coffee is really caffeinated and it can also be distracting because people could be drinking it in class when they are supposed to be doing work.”  She like other people of all ages believe that having coffee and Starbucks in class causes certain students around them to have trouble focusing. Mikah, like others, is not allowed to have most of the drinks at Starbucks because they are caffeinated.  This is what she said, “I am not allowed to have anything caffeinated but I do like the vanilla frappuccino which does not have caffeine,” and, “I think caffeine can make students either very sleepy or very hyper it’s just not their normal selves.” Mikah also said, “I think people should not be drinking coffee until they are 14 or 15.”  This is the age she believes is good for coffee.

Barista’s point of view

Working as a barista would provide a unique perspective. To find it, the Howl visited a local Starbucks and met with the manager, who has been working locally for 12 years. “Caffeine helps some kids,” Kim said. She believes that caffeine can assist some young consumers.  “It helps kids with A.D.D.”

Healthline, a health newspaper, agrees: “The right amount of caffeine can help (kids with ADHD) focus, but too much might make (them) jittery, anxious, or irritable. Because caffeine is so prevalent, it’s important to know how it affects individuals with ADHD.”

Since its opening, Starbucks has expanded throughout the world. 

Whether or not Starbucks is acceptable for students is really up to their parents. Some people believe that coffee for kids is okay while others strongly disagree. The spread of those universally-recognized cups with their green mermaid logos have captivated people around the world. That much, we can all agree on.