Dr Emma Derbyshire said there was a big rise in three symptoms
Bloating, cramps and constipation are soaring as the new school term kicks off – with experts warning that stress and sudden changes in routine are wreaking havoc on young stomachs. New research shows one in three children are struggling with digestive problems as they head back to the classroom – with bloating, cramps and constipation topping the list of complaints.
The research by PrecisionBiotics, from a Perspectus global omnibus survey of 1,031 UK adults, links gut woes to back-to-school stress, sudden routine changes and dietary shifts. Stress alone triggers gut symptoms in more than half of youngsters with digestive issues.
Public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire, advisor to PrecisionBiotics, said: “What should be a fresh start – new shoes, sharpened pencils and neatly packed lunchboxes – is instead bringing more than books and homework. For many children, it’s coming with a belly full of digestive distress.”
The stats reveal a surge in gut issues among school-aged children, just as the autumn term begins. A third of children report stomach troubles, one in five struggle with bloating, 17% experience constipation and 15% complain of cramps and abdominal pain.
Dr Derbyshire added: “Cramps, bloating, constipation and general tummy trouble are rising sharply – and the causes might surprise you. Alongside diets that can go off track – lacking in fibre and balance – some of the biggest culprits are stress, routine changes, and pressure to perform – a toxic mix that’s hitting kids hard in the gut.”
Dr Nisa Aslam, GP with a special interest in nutrition and an advisor to PrecisionBiotics, said: “Sadly, general worries trigger symptoms in 50% of the children who suffer from poor digestive health issues, while a quarter (25%) are triggered by the pressure to do well and 13% are caused by school pressures, which just shows how unsettling a new school year can be for little ones.”
Parents can often miss the signs, dismissing tummy aches as “just a bug” or even an excuse. But experts insist the symptoms are real – and often stress-induced. So what can families do to help?
Dr Derbyshire’s five ways to ease back-to-school tummy troubles
1. Keep mornings calm
“A chaotic school morning can trigger anxiety before the day even begins. Establish a consistent wake-up time, prep clothes and lunches the night before, and try to leave a few minutes for a calm breakfast – even if it’s just 10 minutes together over toast.”
2. Prioritise gut-friendly foods
“Avoid overly processed snacks and sugar-heavy treats, which can throw digestion off balance. Include more fibre-rich foods like oats, bananas, wholegrain bread, and yoghurt with live cultures to help increase healthy gut bacteria.”
3. Bridge gaps
“Consider taking a child-friendly probiotic supplement to help balance gut bacteria and ease symptoms. Research has found that the rigorously studied probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium longum 35624, which is in the PrecisionBiotics range including Alflorex Children, has shown positive effects in reducing gut health issues and improving quality of life in both children and adults.”
4. Talk it out
“Encourage your child to share how they’re feeling about school. Open conversations help them feel safe and supported – and may help reduce stress-induced symptoms.”
5. Stick to a routine
“Children’s digestive systems thrive on routine. Try to keep meals, bedtimes, and activities as regular as possible – especially during the first few weeks of term.”