This isn’t to say that young people aren’t a product of a unique digital age. Right now, more then ever, the media universe is expanding for young people and adults alike. No matter which way you cut the data, young people spend more time consuming media than any other activity except for sleeping. Which means that we better play close attention to the powerful role of screens in all of our lives.

Perhaps most importantly, the Nielson report reminds us that the ‘digital divide’ separating adults and media-savvy teens may not be as wide or as difficult to cross as we think it is. Teens may be multi-media communicators and professional multi-taskers, but on average, their media choices are not always as far afield as it sometimes feels. So if you feel like a digital immigrant in a world of young digital natives, remember that at the end of the day, there are plenty of ways find a common language.

Five tips for crossing the digital divide:

1. Don’t be intimidated by emerging technologies. Many young people learn by exploring and trying out new media. Give it a try yourself! Ask a young person to teach you.

2. Keep the lines of communication open. Make sure to have conversations with young people in your life about what they are watching, playing, and listening to. Ask specific questions and engage in thoughtful conversation.

3. Host a family game night. Pick age appropriate games and play together as a family. Let your kids invite their friends!

4. Steer your kids towards sites, activities, and tools that fit their interests and your family’s values. Complement screen time with time ‘off line.’ For example, practice your soccer moves online and then go outside to see if you can do the real thing!

5. Keep things in balance – set limits on screen time and stick to them. For example, create “media free zones” during certain times like family dinner so that you have time to talk and connect with one another.