Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 26: With the rapid rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in daily life, the Commission for Social Communication of St Teresa of Kolkata Church, Paldane, organized an interactive awareness seminar titled "Digital Wellbeing & Cyber Safety: Smart & Safe Youth in the AI & Digital World" on Sunday, July 26 at the parish hall.

The session aimed to empower children, youth, and their parents with practical digital literacy, focus on online threat awareness, and cultivate responsible digital habits.

Fr A I Fernandes, diocesan secretary for the Commission for Social Communication and director of the Canara Communication Centre, Mangaluru, served as the key resource person.

Addressing the gathering, Fr Fernandes conducted live demonstrations on online security tools, safe browsing protocols, and the responsible use of generative AI platforms. He urged participants to remain vigilant against cyber threats, manage screen time effectively, and foster digital kindness.

Parish priest Fr Richard A Coelho presided over the programme and highlighted the urgent need for digital awareness among families in today’s tech-driven environment.

Assistant parish priests Fr Joseph OFM CAP, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council Elias Fernandes, secretary Roshan Monteiro, and Parish Pastoral Commission coordinator William Lobo, along with other office bearers, attended the event.

The session saw enthusiastic participation from youth and parents who engaged in hands-on smartphone-based practical demonstrations and an interactive Q&A session.