By JC Montenegro, PhD

(Whittier, California — March 12, 2026) – As part of the annual University Series offered during Lent, participants gathered at St. Bruno Church for a workshop titled Raising Faith-Filled Teens in a Digital World, a conversation focused on the growing influence of technology and social media in the lives of young people.

The session was one of 43 workshops organized by the University Series Foundation, Inc., a Lenten formation program designed to help adults reflect more deeply on faith and daily life. About 20 adults and two youth leaders participated in the evening dialogue, which explored both the challenges and opportunities presented by today’s digital culture.

The workshop was facilitated by JC Montenegro, who guided participants in examining how teenagers interact with social media, gaming platforms, and online communities. Montenegro noted that many young people today spend eight or more hours a day on their phones, connecting with friends, playing games, and engaging with social media in ways that often shape their identity and relationships.

A key part of the discussion focused on how technology platforms are designed to capture attention. Montenegro explained that social media algorithms respond to users’ conversations and interests, continually adapting content in ways that make platforms increasingly engaging and difficult to leave.

Youth leaders Ezequiel and Fatima joined the session to share their personal experiences navigating social media as young people. Their contributions helped open an intergenerational dialogue in which adults were able to ask questions and better understand how the younger generation communicates and builds relationships online.

Participants reflected on questions such as whether meaningful friendships can exist online and why young people often spend long periods on their phones. Rather than approaching the issue through confrontation, Montenegro encouraged families to first seek understanding.

Addressing the digital reality of today’s youth, he emphasized that parents and grandparents are invited to enter the world of young people, learning about their interests and engaging them through shared activities. One participant shared a personal example: after noticing that a relative spent hours playing games and struggled to connect in conversation, the family member began learning chess, eventually creating a meaningful bond through friendly matches.

The workshop concluded with a reminder that supporting young people in the digital age requires patience, dialogue, and a willingness to accompany them. When families foster real relationships and shared experiences, young people are better able to balance technology with faith, community, and healthy habits.