Balancing screen time with quality family time can be a daily challenge, especially as children are increasingly using devices for various activities. Determining a reasonable amount of screen time can be a blurred line for families.
In an effort to address this issue, a campaign called The Family Chat is being conducted in 2026 in partnership with Tesco Mobile. The campaign aims to promote open and honest conversations within families about online safety. Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher is engaging with parents and children to discuss the challenges they encounter and how Tesco Mobile’s online safety resources can be beneficial.
One of these resources is a downloadable family pledge that encourages families to commit to healthy screen time habits and ensuring children’s safety online. Giovanna Fletcher emphasizes the importance of regularly reassessing screen time rules and activities within the family.
For the Karley family, consisting of Anna, Emmanuel, and their three teenagers, phones play a vital role in staying connected, managing schoolwork, and handling their busy schedules. They participated in the Team Mum v Team Dad Online Safety Challenge to facilitate discussions about screen time in a fun manner.
The challenge involved ranking screen-related activities against offline activities, such as cooking and reading. After completing the challenges, the family filled out Tesco Mobile’s family pledge to establish guidelines on screen time, privacy, and sharing. They plan to utilize Tesco Mobile’s Online Safety Hub for expert advice on maintaining a healthy balance between digital and real-world connections.
Implementing a phones-down rule at 9.30pm is one step the Karley family has taken to prioritize family time, including engaging in activities like quizzes together. By adhering to the family pledge displayed on their fridge, they aim to reinforce new rules and work together to maintain a healthy balance.
In addition, it is essential for families to be cautious of certain aspects in online content, such as sensational headlines, spelling errors, and unfamiliar websites. Checking facts on reliable sources, verifying social media accounts, and engaging in fact-checking activities with children can help ensure online safety.