Summer has arrived, bringing along with it exam season for families with teenagers. As studying and revision shift more towards online platforms, teenagers are spending increased time in front of screens. Balancing this screen time to ensure it is productive and not disruptive to sleep can be challenging for parents and children alike.
To address these concerns, The Family Chat campaign, in collaboration with Tesco Mobile, is facilitating open discussions within families about online safety. Renowned author and podcaster, Giovanna Fletcher, a mother of three boys aged seven to 11, is engaging with parents and children to explore the challenges they encounter. Additionally, Tesco Mobile is offering a variety of online resources to assist families.
The current focus of The Family Chat initiative revolves around exam season and managing the additional screen time and stress that accompany it. Giovanna emphasizes the evolution of revision methods for the current generation, highlighting the positive aspects of screen time usage in education.
The Jackson family, comprising Ellie, Ian, and their four children, are no strangers to smartphones. While Lilia, who is preparing for her GCSEs, has learned to limit her screen time to avoid distractions, her sister Evie has adjusted her approach to managing messages from friends. Lilia employs strategies such as muting group chats and creating personalized revision aids from online quizzes.
Ellie acknowledges the potential concerns associated with screen time, particularly its impact on sleep patterns. However, she recognizes the benefits, especially in aiding Lilia’s revision process. Utilizing resources like Tesco Mobile’s Top Tips for Supporting Children Around Exam Season, the family is implementing strategies to optimize study environments and monitor signs of fatigue or stress.
By promoting discussions and implementing practical tools like Focus Mode and Screen Time, families can strike a balance between screen time and other activities. Encouraging conversations about readiness and confidence levels, as well as emphasizing the importance of sleep for memory and learning, can provide valuable support during exam season.
