Sugar Doesn't Cause Hyperactivity in Children

The belief that sugar causes hyperactivity in children is one of the most persistent parenting myths, but it's not supported by scientific evidence. Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have consistently found no causal relationship between sugar intake and hyperactivity, aggression, or attention problems in children. One major study followed children for weeks, alternating between sugar and artificial sweeteners without parents or children knowing which they were consuming. No behavioral differences were observed. The myth likely persists because sugary treats are often consumed at exciting events (parties, holidays) where children are naturally more energetic. Parents may also unconsciously expect hyperactive behavior after sugar consumption, leading to confirmation bias. Some studies even suggest that parents who believe in the sugar-hyperactivity connection are more likely to rate their children as hyperactive after they think the child has consumed sugar, even when they haven't.