Salesians train staff from educational institutions

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Province of Bombay’s Social Communication Commission has conducted a train-the-trainer program focused on digital addiction. The training brought together 35 participants from 14 Salesian institutions in India. The Social Communication Commission has identified digital addiction as rampant among youth in the province.

After a short prayer and welcome, Father Chris Ferreira highlighted how dependent the participants were on their phones and noted that youth spend even more time in the digital world. Father Jacob Palaparambil and Father Robert Pen helped the participants understand the effects of addiction to cell phones and digital technology. A Salesian noted, “While not denying the boons of the digital world, the sessions also helped the participants accept the fact that young people take refuge in the screens of their devices to escape from the harsh reality of life.”

Fr. Pen also stressed the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy as a way for youth to begin the healing process. The participants were empowered by the training and engaged in discussions about the topic, sharing their questions, thoughts and ideas.

Kepha Pinherio, one of the participants, said, “As a teacher, attending the training session was a revelation for me. It not only equipped me to guide my students but also made me confront my cell phone addiction. It has ignited a commitment within me to bring about a positive change both in my life and the lives of my students.”

Priya Shinde, another participant, said that the initiative to involve staff from educational institutions and parishes across the province was a significant step in spreading media education, which is needed.

After the training, the participants were instructed about how they were expected to carry out digital addiction awareness in their institutions. The Social Communication Commission also presented a toolkit to help the participants in this regard.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco South Asia

Don Bosco South Asia – Salesian Mumbai Province organises Digital Addiction Awareness Training

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