As summer approaches, families with teenagers are not only looking forward to day trips and vacations but also gearing up for the exam season. As studying and research increasingly move online, teenagers are spending more time in front of screens. Balancing this screen time to ensure it aids productivity and doesn’t disrupt sleep is a challenge for many parents and children.
To address these concerns, a campaign called The Family Chat is being conducted throughout 2026 in partnership with Tesco Mobile. Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, a mother of three boys, is engaging in discussions with parents and children about online safety issues and how Tesco Mobile’s online resources can be beneficial.
The current focus of The Family Chat is on managing the additional screen time and stress that come with exam season. Giovanna emphasizes the evolving nature of revision for this generation and highlights the benefits that technology offers in learning and study habits.
One family, the Jacksons, comprising Ellie, Ian, and their four children, rely on smartphones in their daily lives. Lilia, who is preparing for her GCSEs, has learned to limit her screen time to avoid distractions and interruptions during her revision sessions. She emphasizes the importance of managing group chats and utilizing online resources effectively to enhance her study routine.
Although concerns about excessive screen time impacting sleep exist, Ellie acknowledges the positive impact technology has had on her daughter Lilia’s revision process. By leveraging tools like AI for academic support and following Tesco Mobile’s Top Tips for Supporting Children Around Exam Season, the family aims to strike a balance between screen time and effective studying habits.
Implementing strategies like turning off notifications, encouraging open conversations about readiness and confidence, and emphasizing the importance of sleep in memory and learning processes are some ways parents can support their children during exam season. It’s essential to recognize that not all screen time is detrimental and to find a healthy balance that works for each family.
