‘Technology gives our kids so much that we didn’t have’

Summer is upon us, and for families with teenagers that doesn’t just mean day trips and holidays - it also means exam season is in full swing.

With so much research and revision now done online, that means more screen time. And it can be difficult to ensure that extra time is helpful rather than creating unwanted distractions and affecting sleep.

That’s why it’s important for parents and children to be able to find a compromise that doesn’t add to any pressure or anxiety.

Throughout 2026, we’re running The Family Chat, a campaign with Tesco Mobile helping families to start open conversations around staying safe online.

Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, who’s mum to three boys aged seven to 11, is chatting to parents and kids about the issues they face, and how Tesco Mobile’s range of online resources can help.

Our latest Family Chat centres on exam season, and managing the additional screen time and stress that come with it.

Giovanna says it’s important to realise just how different revision looks for this generation: “I think, as parents, we’re maybe quick to think screen time is all bad, but actually there’s so much it gives our kids that we didn’t have.

“My youngest is in Year Three and there’s a lot of homework done on a device, so they’re learning to do it at such a young age. It becomes second nature to them.

“When revision comes in, suddenly there’s a whole new thing demanding their time online. That’s when it’s really useful to have support to juggle it all.”

Smartphones are an everyday part of life for the Jackson family: Ellie, Ian and their four children, Lilia, 16, Evie, 14, Rafe, 12, and nine-year-old Audrey - though she doesn't yet have one of her own.

While Evie used to worry about upsetting friends