How can recurring headaches or stomach aches point to stress from harmful online experiences? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often express their emotional distress through physical symptoms, particularly when they do not have the words to articulate what is troubling them. Recurring headaches, stomach aches, or other vague physical complaints that have no clear medical cause can be a signal of stress linked to a harmful online experience. This could include cyberbullying, exposure to frightening content, or intense peer pressure in their digital life. 

Stress Manifesting Physically 

When a child feels anxious, ashamed, or fearful about something they have encountered online, their body can often carry the tension. Headaches caused by overthinking and worry, or stomach aches triggered by stress hormones, can begin to appear on a regular basis, especially before school or immediately after using a device. 

Note the Timing of the Symptoms 

Pay close attention to when these physical complaints arise. If they seem to appear mainly after periods of online activity, such as after late-night scrolling, or on school mornings when they may have to face peers involved in an online incident, parents should consider the digital connection. 

A Desire to Avoid Certain Situations 

Children may begin to use their physical symptoms, whether consciously or unconsciously, as a way to avoid situations like school or family gatherings where the effects of their online distress might resurface. A persistent pattern of requesting to stay home from school, paired with these frequent physical complaints, can be important signals for a parent. 

How Parents Can Respond 

Instead of dismissing the pain as ‘just an excuse,’ it is vital for parents to validate their child’s discomfort while gently exploring the potential emotional root. You could say: ‘I can see that your stomach has been hurting you often. I know that sometimes, stress from things we see or experience can make our bodies hurt too. Do you think that might be happening?’ 

By recognising this mind-body connection, parents can identify when recurring physical complaints are not just ailments, but are in fact cries for help. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that the heart and the body are deeply interconnected, and that emotional and spiritual burdens can directly impact a person’s physical health. Parents are called to respond with compassion and gentle care whenever their children show signs of this kind of distress. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ra’ad (13), Verses 28: 

‘…Indeed, it is only with the remembrance of Allah (Almighty) that (one can (and does) find peace of mind and heart.’ 

This beautiful verse reminds us that finding inner peace through the remembrance of Allah is the ultimate cure that soothes not only the heart, but the body as well. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5678, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment.’ 

This teaching offers a perspective of hope. It reminds us that for every difficulty we face, including stress-related illnesses, there is always a path to relief that can be found through both practical care and a deep reliance on Allah. 

By grounding their response in faith and empathy, parents can guide their children to understand that harmful online experiences do not only affect their emotions but can also harm their bodies. This understanding can help them to see that true healing comes through honesty, family support, and the peace that is found in the remembrance of Allah Almighty.