By Matters India Reporter
KARUR, October 12, 2026: Recognizing the growing need for media education among schoolchildren, the Francisco Province of the Franciscan Sisters of the Presentation of Our Lady organized a training program for media coordinators to strengthen media education initiatives across its schools.
The Oct. 10 workshop, held at St. Theresa’s Higher Secondary School in Karur, Tamil Nadu, brought together nearly 20 senior sisters and teachers from across the state.
The program focused on helping educators address the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving media landscape, particularly the influence of artificial intelligence, cinema, television and social media on children and young people.
Participants examined how the uncritical use of artificial intelligence can encourage passivity, reduce independent thinking and creativity, and increase dependence on technology.
Discussions also explored how cinema, television and social media shape children’s attitudes, behavior, values and participation in society.
These issues were considered in light of the Church’s call for integral human development and responsible engagement with contemporary realities, as outlined in Pope Leo’s letter Magnificat Humanitas.
The Presentation Sisters, among the first congregations in India to introduce media education and establish media clubs in schools, said the initiative aims to help students become critical consumers of media and responsible participants in the digital world.
DMagimai Pragasam, vice president of SIGNIS World, and Sr. Paul Mary, province coordinator of the Communication Commission, facilitated the program.
Sessions covered the impact of social media on children, photography and short videos as tools for social advocacy, and film analysis.
Participants took part in practical exercises, planning and capturing photographs that were later evaluated. Reels and PowerPoint presentations prepared before the workshop were also reviewed, with facilitators offering feedback to improve participants’ production skills.
Interactive exercises and group discussions encouraged participants to develop practical strategies for engaging young people. Media education models developed by the Philippine Association for Media Education and the SIGNIS Asia Media Education Desk were also presented as examples that could be adapted to local contexts.
Participants described the program as timely and relevant to challenges faced in schools.
“We gained greater clarity about why children are losing interest in their studies and values while becoming increasingly attracted to social media. The workshop has equipped us with tools to help them become discerning media users,” one participant said.
Another participant said the workshop had provided confidence to engage young people with appropriate tools and methods at a time when educators are concerned about changes in students’ behavior.
A teacher emphasized the growing responsibility of educators in imparting knowledge and nurturing values, saying the program had better equipped teachers for that role.
Sister Paul Mary proposed a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the facilitator, participating teachers and others who contributed to the program.
The initiative reflects the Presentation Sisters’ renewed commitment to strengthening media education and helping teachers guide children toward critical, creative and responsible engagement with media and emerging technologies.
(Photo supplied)