By Ms Namrata Goddeti for BIS Mumbai

On October 21, 2026, Don Bosco School and Junior College, Nashik, organised a seminar on Social Media and Mass Communication for its staff members. Initiated by the Principal, Fr Rixson Nigrel sdb and the Zonal Social Communication Co-ordinator, Fr Leon Rodrigues sdb, the seminar aimed to promote responsible and professional social media practices within educational institutions.

The resource person, Fr Mylin Noronha sdb, Province Delegate for Social Communication and Assistant Director at Don Bosco College, Kurla, shared valuable insights into the principles governing personal and institutional social media use. He emphasised student safety, professional boundaries and preventive measures for a secure digital environment.

Highlighting that the online world is an integral part of the institution’s mission, Fr Noronha described it as a digital playground where educators share the responsibility of guiding and accompanying young people. He stressed that digital presence should reflect institutional values, build communities rather than audiences, and educate through presence before persuasion. Dignity, charity, service, loyalty to the institution and leading by example were identified as essential principles of responsible digital citizenship.

The session highlighted the importance of maintaining professional boundaries with students. Staff members were encouraged to use official accounts, maintain transparent communication, include at least two staff members in student groups and report serious concerns to the Principal. Private messaging, personal social media friendships with students and commenting on students’ posts were discouraged.

Fr Noronha also explained the precautions required while publishing students’ photographs. These included using institutional devices, obtaining consent, checking withdrawn-consent lists, protecting personal information and labelling AI-edited images. He emphasised that official accounts should have designated adult administrators, follow approval procedures, publish verified information and avoid personal or political opinions.

The seminar further addressed responsible event reporting, fair recognition of contributors, confidentiality and crisis management. Staff members were advised to pause before responding to controversies, maintain confidentiality, refer media enquiries appropriately and resolve disagreements through personal communication.

A comprehensive pre-publication checklist reinforced the importance of truthfulness, kindness, usefulness, consent, privacy and institutional approval. Participants were reminded to consult the Rector, Principal, School Counsellor or the Local Delegates for Social Communication.

The seminar proved enriching and informative, strengthening the staff’s understanding of responsible digital communication and protecting students and upholding institutional values. The guiding message, “Be Present, Be Kind, Be True,” served as a powerful reminder that every online interaction must reflect integrity, compassion and the educational mission of Don Bosco.