As summer approaches, families with teenagers are not only gearing up for day trips and vacations but also diving into the intense period of exams. With the increasing reliance on online resources for research and revision, teenagers are spending more time in front of screens. Balancing this extra screen time to ensure it is productive and not detrimental to sleep or causing distractions can be challenging for both parents and children.
To address these concerns, The Family Chat campaign, in partnership with Tesco Mobile, is facilitating open discussions within families about online safety. 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 and how Tesco Mobile’s array of online tools can provide assistance.
In the current chat session, the focus is on exam season and managing the increased screen time and stress that accompany it. Giovanna emphasizes the transformation in the approach to revision for this generation, highlighting the benefits that technology offers, such as early exposure to digital homework tasks.
For the Jackson family, smartphones have become an integral part of daily life. While the older children, Lilia and Evie, have different approaches to screen time management, they both recognize the need to limit distractions during crucial study periods. Lilia, who is preparing for her GCSEs, has adopted strategies like silencing group chats to maintain focus during revision.
Lilia’s method includes utilizing online quizzes to create personalized revision materials like flashcards. Her mother, Ellie, acknowledges the concerns around excessive screen time but also acknowledges the advantages it brings, such as using AI for academic support and boosting morale during revision sessions.
Moving forward, the Jackson family plans to implement Tesco Mobile’s Top Tips for Supporting Children Around Exam Season, which includes setting up a dedicated revision space and being vigilant for signs of fatigue or stress. Ellie emphasizes the importance of utilizing resources that facilitate meaningful conversations within the family and finding a balance in screen time usage.
Additionally, practical tools like Focus Mode, Screen Time, and App Limits can help in reducing distractions, and initiating discussions with children about their readiness and confidence levels can offer valuable support during exam preparation. Highlighting the significance of adequate sleep in enhancing memory and learning further underscores the holistic approach to supporting teenagers during this demanding period.
