Salesians Issue Social Media Guidelines for 12 South Asian Provinces

MUMBAI, November 14, 2026: The Salesian Congregation has introduced a common set of social media guidelines for its 12 provinces in South Asia, outlining safeguards and ethical standards for the personal and institutional use of digital platforms.

Titled Principles and Guidelines for Personal and Apostolic Use of Social Media, the 15-page document was released in Mumbai on October 24 by BOSCOM South Asia in collaboration with the Social Communication sector of the Mumbai Province.

Father Biju Michael, Salesian General Councillor for South Asia, attended the release ceremony. The document was presented to Father Ashley Miranda, Provincial of Mumbai and Provincial in charge of Communication for South Asia; Father Peter Gonsalves, the first National Coordinator of BOSCOM-INDIA; and Father Mylin Noronha, Social Communication Delegate of the Mumbai Province.

Father Bastin Nellissery, Coordinator of BOSCOM South Asia, said the guidelines were designed to help Salesians navigate the opportunities and challenges of social media with discernment, integrity and responsibility.

He stressed that online conduct should reflect the values of consecrated life, the Salesian charism and the Congregation's commitment to young people. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Mumbai Provincial, provincial communication teams and BOSCOM delegates in preparing the document.

Drawing on the educational vision of St John Bosco, the guidelines encourage Salesians to extend his Preventive System into the digital environment through authentic relationships, dialogue and pastoral accompaniment.

A significant section deals with safeguarding minors and vulnerable individuals. It restricts the storage of photographs of minors on personal mobile phones, requires parental consent before publishing children's images and prohibits private messaging with minors through platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram.

The guidelines also require official institutional social media accounts to have at least two adult administrators to ensure transparency and accountability.

Father Biju Michael appreciated the initiative and thanked Father Ashley Miranda and the communication teams for developing a framework to promote responsible digital engagement.

The document calls on Salesian religious communities and institutions across South Asia to ensure that their online communication reflects Gospel values, respect for human dignity and the spirit of Don Bosco.

The initiative seeks to make social media more than a platform for institutional visibility, positioning it as a space for evangelisation, meaningful relationships and pastoral outreach, particularly among young people.

Courtesy : Don Bosco South Asia