As summer arrives, families with teenagers are not only gearing up for day trips and vacations but also navigating through the busy exam season. With a significant amount of studying and preparation now happening online, there is a rise in screen time usage. Balancing this additional screen time to ensure it enhances productivity rather than causing distractions and affecting 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. In a bid to support families in such situations, throughout 2026, The Family Chat initiative, in collaboration with Tesco Mobile, aims to facilitate open dialogues about online safety.
Renowned author and podcaster, Giovanna Fletcher, a mother of three boys aged seven to 11, is engaging with parents and kids to discuss the challenges they encounter. Additionally, she sheds light on how Tesco Mobile’s array of online tools can be beneficial. The current focus of The Family Chat revolves around exam season and how to manage the increased screen time and stress associated with it.
Giovanna emphasizes the shift in the revision process for this generation, highlighting the advantages technology offers. She mentions that younger children are accustomed to utilizing devices for tasks like homework, making it a seamless part of their routine. However, when it comes to exam preparation, the influx of online demands can be overwhelming, underscoring the necessity for support in navigating this digital landscape.
For the Jackson family, smartphones are an integral part of daily life. While screen time management used to be a concern, the family has found strategies to maintain a healthy balance. Lilia, who is currently preparing for her GCSEs, has implemented measures to minimize distractions, such as silencing group chats during study sessions.
Lilia’s approach involves utilizing online resources for quizzes and converting them into personalized revision aids like flashcards. Her mother, Ellie, acknowledges the benefits of technology in aiding Lilia’s studies, highlighting how AI tools have been utilized for academic support.
The Jacksons are planning to utilize Tesco Mobile’s Top Tips for Supporting Children Around Exam Season, which includes suggestions like establishing a dedicated revision space with a laptop as the primary tool. This resource also provides insights into identifying signs of fatigue or stress.
Encouraging mindful screen time practices, promoting open conversations about readiness and confidence, and emphasizing the importance of sleep for memory and learning are key strategies to support teenagers during exam season. Ultimately, finding a balance in screen time usage is essential for overall well-being and academic success.