Summer has arrived, and for families with teenagers, it’s not just about day trips and vacations – it’s also the season of exams. As more studying and preparation are done online nowadays, there is an increase in screen time, which can sometimes lead to distractions and impact sleep negatively.
It is crucial for parents and teens to find a balance that doesn’t add to any stress or worries. Throughout 2026, we are hosting The Family Chat campaign in partnership with Tesco Mobile to encourage families to have open discussions about online safety.
Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, a mother to three boys aged seven to 11, is engaging with parents and kids to address the challenges they encounter, and how Tesco Mobile’s online resources can be beneficial. The current Family Chat focuses on exam season and managing the additional screen time and stress that accompanies it.
Giovanna highlights the evolution of studying for the current generation, emphasizing that screen time isn’t entirely negative. She acknowledges the advantages it offers children compared to what previous generations had. Giovanna stresses the importance of parental support to help kids navigate the demands of online studying effectively.
The Jackson family, consisting of Ellie, Ian, and their four children – Lilia, Evie, Rafe, and Audrey – who are accustomed to smartphones, have found ways to manage screen time effectively. Lilia, preparing for her GCSEs, has learned to restrict her screen time to avoid distractions. She prioritizes her focus during revision and limits social interactions that could interrupt her study sessions.
Lilia shares her strategy of using online quizzes to create personalized revision materials like flashcards. While Ellie, the mother, acknowledges concerns about screen time affecting sleep patterns, she also recognizes the benefits it brings, especially in Lilia’s academic preparation.
The family intends to utilize Tesco Mobile’s Top Tips for Supporting Children Around Exam Season, which provides guidance on setting up a conducive revision environment and recognizing signs of fatigue and stress. Ellie appreciates resources that facilitate conversations about screen time management and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between screen usage and productivity.
Additionally, practical tips such as disabling notifications and implementing tools like Focus Mode, Screen Time, and App Limits are recommended to minimize distractions. Encouraging meaningful conversations with children about their readiness and areas of concern can offer valuable support. Furthermore, educating kids about the correlation between adequate sleep, memory retention, and learning is essential for their overall well-being.