As the summer season arrives, families with teenagers are not only looking forward to day trips and vacations but also gearing up for exam season.
With the shift towards online research and revision, teens are spending more time in front of screens. Balancing this increased screen time to ensure it is productive and doesn’t lead to distractions or impact sleep can be a challenge for both parents and children.
To address these concerns, we are launching The Family Chat campaign in partnership with Tesco Mobile in 2026. Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, a mother of three boys aged seven to 11, is engaging in conversations with parents and kids to discuss online safety issues and how Tesco Mobile’s online resources can offer support.
The current Family Chat focuses on exam season and managing the additional screen time and stress associated with it. Giovanna highlights the evolving nature of revision for today’s generation, emphasizing the positive aspects of screen time for learning and academic preparation.
For families like the Jacksons, smartphones are integral to daily life. While managing screen time can be a concern, strategies like setting phones to silent during study sessions and creating personalized revision aids from online resources are proving effective for teenagers like Lilia, who is navigating her GCSEs.
Parents like Ellie have found ways to leverage technology to support their children’s revision efforts, using AI tools to enhance learning and build confidence. Utilizing resources like Tesco Mobile’s Top Tips for Supporting Children Around Exam Season, families can implement practical strategies such as establishing a dedicated revision setup and monitoring signs of fatigue or stress.
By initiating conversations about effective screen time management, encouraging open dialogue about exam readiness, and emphasizing the importance of quality sleep for learning, families can create a balanced approach to screen time during exam season.
Incorporating tools like Focus Mode, Screen Time, and App Limits can help reduce distractions, while fostering meaningful discussions around exam preparation and overall well-being can offer valuable support to teenagers during this critical period.