Many first generation U.S. teens spend a lot of time translating for their parents -- translating English as well as customs and norms that are very different from where they may have immigrated from. It makes sense that they would also be translating technology. I really think all teens enjoy showing off their expertise as "digital natives" when parents ask for help. Some teens will role their eyes and make fun of their parents for needing help even though they secretly enjoying being asked. My guess is that for some teens, like immigrant teens, it's part of a whole host of lessons they get to teach their parents. And, according to this study, teens are helping "hard to reach" parents bridge the digital divide. So much so these parents are more connected than the average parent. From the press release:

A new study by EduGuide: Partnership for Learning has found that in their homes teens act like an eraser for the digital divide. Surprisingly, 80 percent of parents with less than a college degree, previously thought to be among the least connected, now use the Internet compared to 72 percent of all adults.

"Teens are digital super-connectors," said study author and EduGuide President Bryan Taylor. "Parents may feel slow compared to their teens. Yet trying to keep up with their kids puts these parents ahead of other adults."

But the results may be a surprise for educators. More than half estimated that 40 percent or less of parents, who didn't have a college degree, would use the Internet.