You tell your child to revise. Ten minutes later, you peek in — and they’re scrolling TikTok, watching YouTube, or chatting on Snapchat. Sound familiar? In a world of constant notifications, procrastination has become the norm for GCSE and A-Level students.
But here’s the truth: procrastination isn’t about laziness. It’s about overwhelm, distraction, and habits. The good news? With the right approach, you can help your child cut through the noise and actually focus on revision.
Understand Why They Procrastinate
When students avoid revision, it’s rarely because they don’t care. Most of the time it’s because:
- Revision feels too big or overwhelming.
- They don’t know where to start.
- Social media offers instant rewards their brain craves.
Instead of saying “just get on with it”, try asking: “what feels hardest about starting?”. Showing empathy helps them open up and makes it easier to work on solutions together.
Help Them Build a Clear Plan
“Go revise” isn’t specific enough. Without direction, students drift back to their phones.
Encourage them to create a simple timetable broken into 25-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks. For example:
- 25 minutes on photosynthesis past paper questions
- 5-minute break (grab a drink, stretch, walk around — no phone)
- Repeat
If making a timetable feels overwhelming, use an AI chatbot or the Revise Right study planner to generate one instantly. A clear plan removes the barrier of “I don’t know where to start.”
Set Boundaries with Technology
Phones are the biggest source of procrastination. Even one buzz can derail focus. Relying on willpower isn’t realistic, so help your child set boundaries:
- Leave the phone in another room during revision.
- Use focus apps like Forest, Freedom, or ScreenZen.
- Set “Do Not Disturb” hours for study time.
Tip: Some parents set up a family “phone basket” during revision hours — no one checks theirs until the timer is up.
Encourage Proper Breaks
Many students take a “5-minute break” that turns into 45 minutes of TikTok. The problem isn’t the break — it’s how they spend it.
Show them better ways to reset:
- Step outside for fresh air
- Grab a snack or water
- Do a quick stretch or short walk
Real rest recharges the brain, making the next study session far more productive.
Model Good Habits
Children copy what they see. If you’re on your phone while telling them not to be, the message won’t land.
Try setting your own “no phone” time while they revise — read a book, do emails, or work alongside them. This models focus and makes revision feel like part of a household routine, not a punishment.
Quick Wins for Parents
Here are three things you can try today:
- Remove your child’s phone from their study desk.
- Print their exam specification and stick it on the wall.
- Agree on one 25-minute revision block before dinner.
Small, simple changes can have a huge impact.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
❌ Expecting long study marathons without breaks
❌ Allowing phones to sit on the desk during revision
❌ Assuming procrastination = laziness
❌ Leaving them to “figure it out” without structure
Final Thought
Social media isn’t going away, and procrastination won’t disappear overnight. But with empathy, structure, and the right tools, your child can build habits that help them focus during exam season.
👉 If your child struggles with distractions, Revise Right provides exam-board specific questions, study plans, and active recall tools that make revision focused, not frustrating. Try it today.
