The Digital Diet: Screen Time and Gut Microbiome Disruption in Preschool Children

Abstract

Abstract:
Background: Excessive screen time in early childhood has been linked to obesity and behavior changes, but its effect on gut microbiota is unclear. This study assesses microbiome diversity in relation to daily screen exposure in preschoolers.
Methods: Stool samples from 248 healthy children aged 3–5 in Singapore were analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Screen time was logged using parental diaries. Shannon diversity, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and behavioral assessments were compared across screen time quartiles.
Results: Children with >4 hours/day of screen time had reduced microbial diversity (Shannon index 2.3 vs. 3.1; p < 0.001) and higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (3.2 vs. 1.8; p = 0.004). Aggressive behavior scores were higher in the highest screen group (p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Excessive screen time is associated with altered gut microbiota composition and behavior markers in preschoolers. Early digital exposure may disrupt gut–brain signaling and warrants integration into pediatric health guidelines.