Generation gap? What generation gap? The latest Rogers Innovation Report explores how parents and their young adult children are using technology to stay connected. No surprise that today’s youth are connected, but what about their parents? Are the 45 plus set using the latest smartphones and tablets in the same way as their kids?

According to report findings, parents are using technology in a lot of the same ways their kids are. They’re texting on their smartphones and tablets, reading books and magazines online and shopping and downloading music and downloading the same number of apps:

• In nearly equal numbers (40 per cent) connected young Canadians (ages 18-24) and their connected parents (43 per cent) are using technology to stay close with one another
• Youth and parents say texting is their preferred smartphone and tablet activity (94 per cent for youth and 82 per cent for parents)
• Youth and parents both look to technology to stay close to family (48 per cent for youth and 52 per cent for parents)

Technology for back to school

Report findings also show that technology is playing an increasing role in education. Of the youth surveyed who attend school, the majority are using technology, including smartphones, for educational purposes like online research, accessing coursework, sharing with classmates and interacting with teachers.

Over the coming weeks, our RedBoard series will dive deeper into the latest Innovation Report findings. We will look at how parents and kids are staying connected, how technology plays a bigger role in education, and what relevance this has as we enter the busy season of back-to-school.

As you and your family prepare for back-to-school, how do you plan to stay connected?

How do you compare with Canadians we surveyed? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section, or on Twitter using the #RIRExplores hashtag.

Sara is a regular contributor to RedBoard

The Rogers Innovation Report, produced by market research specialists and software developers Vision Critical, regularly explores Canadians’ habits and views on technology. You’ll find complete study results on Slideshare.