As summer arrives, families with teenagers are not only gearing up for day trips and vacations but also navigating through the exam season. With a significant amount of studying and revision now carried out online, there is a rise in screen time usage. Balancing this increased screen time to ensure it is beneficial and not causing unwanted distractions or impacting sleep can be challenging.
To address these concerns, it is crucial for parents and children to find a middle ground that alleviates pressure and anxiety. Throughout 2026, The Family Chat initiative is being conducted in collaboration with Tesco Mobile to facilitate open discussions within families about staying safe on the internet.
Renowned author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, a mother to three boys aged seven to 11, is engaging in conversations with parents and children to address the challenges they encounter. The focus is on how Tesco Mobile’s array of online tools can offer assistance. The current discussion under The Family Chat program revolves around managing additional screen time and stress during exam season.
Giovanna emphasizes the shift in studying methods for the current generation, highlighting the positive aspects of screen time utilization. She acknowledges the benefits it provides children that were not available in the past, emphasizing the need for support in managing the new demands of online revision.
The Jackson family, comprising Ellie, Ian, and their four children – Lilia, Evie, Rafe, and Audrey – integrate smartphones into their daily routine. While managing screen time can be a concern, especially regarding sleep patterns, the family has observed the advantages of using technology for educational purposes, particularly during Lilia’s exam preparation.
Lilia has adopted strategies to minimize distractions during revision, such as muting group chats and transforming online quizzes into personalized revision tools like flashcards. Ellie appreciates the assistance technology offers in aiding Lilia’s studies, including utilizing AI for educational queries and assessments.
The family intends to implement Tesco Mobile’s Top Tips for Supporting Children Around Exam Season, which suggests creating a designated revision space and recognizing signs of fatigue or stress. Ellie highlights the importance of utilizing resources that facilitate conversations within the family and promote a balanced approach to screen time usage.
In addition, practical recommendations like disabling noisy notifications and utilizing tools such as Focus Mode, Screen Time, and App Limits can help manage screen time effectively. Encouraging meaningful conversations about readiness and confidence levels can provide valuable support, while emphasizing the significance of sleep in supporting memory and learning is essential.