The initiative involves a multi-stage training programme led by Digital Wellbeing specialist, Dr Facundo Bianco, and arises from the need to update the proposal for the integral formation of children and young people in a context of rapid technological change.

The meeting was attended by the Provincial of ARS, Fr Manuel Cayo, together with Agostino Camiletti, Delegate for Youth Ministry. During the opening, Gabriela Gómez, Delegate of the Schools Team, emphasised the importance of educational renewal: “Forming good Christians and upright citizens today requires a deep understanding of new ways of living, teaching and learning,” she stated.

For his part, the Provincial linked this initiative to the guidelines of the 29th General Chapter, recalling that the Congregation is called to “walk with young people in every environment in which they live, including digital environments”, and highlighted Pope Francis’ concern regarding the emergence of Artificial Intelligence in daily life.

Nicolás Mirabet, Provincial Delegate for Social Communication, outlined the path ARS has been following for several years regarding prevention and healthy digital citizenship. He highlighted the formation programmes with Javier Lombardia of the “Digital Citizenship Institute” in 2024, and the one already carried out with Facundo Bianco in 2025, as well as the presentation of the annex to the protocol on assistance to minors focused on collective digital awareness.

During the presentation, Dr Bianco plotted a graph illustrating the speed of technological transformation: “In just 40 years we have gone from fax machines to smartphones,” he stated, urging those present to reflect on the generational gap regarding devices.

The programme will unfold over the course of the year using a blended approach, which includes institutional assessment by educational level, specific workshops during EAGA meetings, synchronous and asynchronous virtual training sessions, and the conclusion of the formation cycle, which will take place in person on 28 October 2026 at the Ramos Mejía Retreat House.

The initiative is described as a counter-trend proposal aimed at prioritising the humanisation and integral development of the person, combating individualism and online violence.

Source: Don Bosco Sur