Workshop on “Mobile and Pornography addictions in the new digital world”
A two-day International Workshop on “Mobile and Pornography addictions in the new digital world”, was organized by the Salesian Psychological association (SPA), on 10th and 11th August 2024, at Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Fr. Jose Thomas Koyickal SDB, the Provincial, in the presence of Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery SDB, the Vice Provincial and Fr. Joy Nedumparambil SDB, the Provincial Economer.
The Workshop was led by Dr. Fr. Jomon Kokkandathil SDB, the Coordinator, Dr. Fr. C.M. Joseph Cherukunnel SDB, President SPA, Fr. Benny Neeliyara SDB, the Director of Counselling services and Fr. Binu Scaria SDB, Treasurer SPA.
Sixty-five participants that included Psychologists, Counsellors, Principals, Teachers, Social Workers and Research Scholars from various parts of the country attended the workshop.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Professor from NIMHANS, Bangalore handled the topic on Mobile addiction in the new digital world. Mr. Rajashekar, also from NIMHANS, dealt with the management of addictions. Dr. Sr. Jwana Thjaswi Sequeira SJT, presented the Physiology of addiction and the ways to counter it. Mr. Helius D’Souza gave a personal testimony of his addiction and the way he recovered from it. Dr. Dominic Dixon, Ex- Director of UNADAP, New York, USA, expanded on pornography addiction and its impact, evaluating effective rehabilitation methods. Dr. John Tharakan, Founder and CEO of BE-Ivy Education, presented Wellness from the context of addictions.
The two-day sessions addressed the growing concerns of mobile and pornography addictions, focusing on strategies and interventions to mitigate their impact on individuals and communities. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal – 3, which emphasizes good Health and well – being, the workshop aimed to promote healthier digital habits and improve overall mental and physical health.
The workshop was well attended by the participants and all returned to their destinations with fresh energy and determination to handle the vital topic that is so prevalent in today’s society.
