By Dr. Ricardo Andres Medina-Centeno | Contributor
Springtime Screen Time Concerns in North Texas Kids
Spring in North Texas usually marks the peak of outdoor activities, sports, and social gatherings for children. However, with social distancing measures in effect, kids are not only engaging in fewer physical activities but are also increasingly turning to screens. From remote schooling to social interactions and gaming, screens have become a central part of their lives. This significant shift has led the Gastroenterology (GI) division at Children’s Health in Dallas and Plano to observe a rise in patients suffering from digestive issues related to excessive screen time.
The Links Between Screen Time and Digestive Health
While many people associate excessive screen time with problems like blurry vision, sleep disturbances, and mood changes, digestive issues are among the most frequent consequences.
This connection is largely due to the “brain-gut axis,” a term that describes the ongoing communication between the brain and the gastrointestinal system. When a child’s mood is affected by worries—such as stress about schoolwork—it can result in physical symptoms like stomach pain or diarrhea. The same holds true with increased screen time. As children are more sedentary and less active, their mind-gut interaction can become disrupted.
Common Digestive Issues Arising from Screen Time
Some of the prevalent digestive problems that can arise from excessive screen usage include cramps, constipation, unintentional bowel accidents, abdominal discomfort, and reflux. There are also secondary effects linked to the emotional responses triggered by screen activities. For instance, if a child gets frustrated while playing a video game, it may lead to behavioral changes that negatively impact their digestive health. Additionally, children can become so absorbed in their screens that they overlook natural bodily cues, such as the urge to use the bathroom. Other factors that can worsen digestive health related to screen time include food choices and hydration. Kids often opt for quick, unhealthy snacks to avoid missing screen time while also neglecting to drink enough water due to decreased physical activity. This combination can significantly strain their digestive systems.
Tips for Parents to Mitigate Digestive Issues
While it’s now unavoidable that children will spend more time on screens due to necessary social distancing protocols, parents can take several steps to help prevent digestive disorders:
- Ensure kids take breaks that encourage them to stand up, move, and be active, whenever possible.
- Limit recreational screen time to 20- to 30-minute intervals.
- Provide healthy snack alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods.
- Ensure they have access to plenty of fluids, particularly water.
- Keep phones and screens out of the bedrooms, and discourage screen time right before bedtime.
- Monitor how often they go to the bathroom to identify any changes in frequency.
- Consult their pediatrician if the child reports stomach pain or discomfort.
Conclusion and Expert Care at Children’s Health
The pediatric GI team at Children’s Health® addresses a wide range of conditions, from constipation and celiac disease to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver disorders. They utilize minimally invasive diagnostic methods and cutting-edge treatments, all tailored to provide peace of mind for families. Recognized among the top 10 pediatric GI specialties by U.S. News and World Report, the division provides innovative and reliable care to families who rely on their expertise.
About Dr. Ricardo Andres Medina-Centeno
Ricardo Medina-Centeno, M.D., earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine and pursued a fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at UT Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center. His training included valuable experience with leading experts in neurogastroenterology and motility disorders at UTSW and Boston Children’s Hospital (Harvard University). Dr. Medina-Centeno is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UTSW and provides care at Children’s Health in Dallas and Plano.
