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International Workshop on Mobile and Pornography Addictions Held in Bangalore

14 August 2024

Counselling, Mental Health, Psychology,

- Fr. C. M. Joseph SDB

A two-day International Workshop on “Mobile and Pornography Addictions in the New Digital World” was successfully organized by the Salesian Psychological Association (SPA) at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore, on August 10-11. The event attracted significant participation, with 65 attendees comprising psychologists, counsellors, principals, teachers, social workers, and research scholars from across India.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Fr. Jose Thomas Koyickal SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Bangalore, who was joined by Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery SDB, Vice Provincial, and Fr. Joy Nedumparambil SDB, Provincial Economer. The event was led by a team of experienced Salesian educators and mental health professionals, including Dr. Fr. Jomon Kokkandathil SDB, the workshop coordinator, Dr. Fr. C.M. Joseph Cherukunnel SDB, President of SPA, Fr. Benny Neeliyara SDB, Director of Counselling Services, and Fr. Binu Scaria SDB, Treasurer of SPA.

The workshop featured a series of sessions addressing the alarming rise of mobile and pornography addictions in today’s digital world. Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, a professor at NIMHANS, Bangalore, led discussions on mobile addiction, while Mr. Rajashekar, also from NIMHANS, provided insights into the management of addictions. Dr. Sr. Jwana Thjaswi Sequeira SJT delivered a presentation on the physiology of addiction and methods to counter it. Additionally, Mr. Helius D’Souza shared a personal testimony of his recovery from addiction, offering hope and inspiration to the attendees.

Dr. Dominic Dixon, the Executive Director of UNADAP, New York, USA, focused on the impact of pornography addiction and effective rehabilitation methods using Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Neuroplasticity. Dr. John Tharakan, Founder and CEO of BE-Ivy Education, contributed by discussing wellness in the context of addiction recovery.

The workshop emphasized strategies and interventions to combat the growing concerns of mobile and pornography addictions, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which promotes good health and well-being. The sessions aimed to encourage healthier digital habits and enhance mental and physical health within communities.

Participants left the workshop with renewed energy and determination to tackle these critical issues in their respective fields, making the event a resounding success.