As summer arrives, families with teenagers are not only looking forward to day trips and vacations but also facing the challenges of exam season. With a significant portion of studying and revision now taking place online, teenagers are spending more time in front of screens. Balancing this screen time to ensure it is productive and doesn’t interfere with sleep can be a concern for parents.
To address these issues, The Family Chat campaign, in collaboration with Tesco Mobile, is facilitating open discussions within families about online safety. Renowned author and podcaster, Giovanna Fletcher, a mother of three boys aged seven to 11, is engaging with parents and children to address the challenges they encounter. Tesco Mobile’s online resources are being highlighted as valuable tools to navigate these issues.
The current focus of The Family Chat initiative is on exam season and managing the increased screen time and stress that accompany it. Giovanna emphasizes the evolving nature of revision methods for the current generation, noting the benefits that technology offers in education. Acknowledging the importance of support in managing the demands of online learning, she encourages parents to find a balance that works for their children.
For the Jackson family, smartphones are integral to their daily lives. While managing screen time can be a concern, eldest daughter Lilia, preparing for her GCSEs, has learned to limit distractions by silencing group chats during study sessions. Lilia employs various online resources to create personalized revision materials, such as turning online quizzes into flashcards.
While recognizing the potential drawbacks of excessive screen time, particularly on sleep schedules, parent Ellie has observed the positive impact of technology on Lilia’s academic progress. Utilizing AI for academic queries and mock exams, Ellie finds technology to be a useful tool in enhancing Lilia’s learning experience.
The Jackson family plans to implement Tesco Mobile’s Top Tips for Supporting Children Around Exam Season, which offers strategies like setting up a dedicated revision space and identifying signs of fatigue or stress. Encouraging meaningful conversations and emphasizing the importance of sleep in aiding memory and learning are also key aspects of supporting teenagers during exam periods.