Pune, September 2026: As part of the Women Empowerment Project, supported by AXA Global Business Services, the Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS) organized three awareness sessions on mobile phone addiction and responsible digital use in September 2026. A total of 138 participants attended the sessions. The details are as follows:

Two sessions were conducted on 11th September 2026 at KBP School, Subhashnagar, Yerwada, and were facilitated by Dr. Vishnu Shrimangale. The first session was attended by 68 participants, while the second session was attended by 52 participants, reaching a total of 120 participants at the school.

A third session was conducted on 23 September 2026 at M. Phule Nagar, with Mrs. Akshada Naik as the resource person. The session was attended by 18 participants.

The sessions focused on creating awareness about the benefits and risks associated with mobile phone use. Participants were sensitized to the possible physical, psychological and social effects of excessive mobile phone and internet use, including its impact on concentration, productivity, sleep, emotional well-being, family relationships and social interaction.

The resource persons also discussed common signs of excessive or addictive mobile phone use and the risks associated with prolonged screen time and excessive use of social media. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own digital habits and identify situations where mobile phone use could be reduced or better managed.

The sessions emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between digital activities and daily responsibilities. Participants were encouraged to limit unnecessary screen time, engage in physical activities, spend quality time with family and friends, and avoid unnecessary mobile phone use, particularly during the evening and before bedtime.

The sessions were conducted in an interactive and participatory manner. Participants actively engaged in the discussions, asked questions and shared their experiences related to mobile phone use. This helped them better understand the importance of disciplined and responsible use of digital devices.