As part of the “School of Parenthood” project of the Missionary Department of the Archbishopric of Belgrade–Karlovci, on 3 February 2026 the cycle of educational meetings with parents of school-aged children was continued. The event was held at the Primary School “Oslobodioci Beograda.”
Following the identified needs of parents, the school’s teaching staff on this occasion expressed interest in examining one of the key challenges faced by contemporary youth—the challenges and risks present in the digital sphere, particularly on social media. This constituted the central focus of the lecture entitled:
“Mom, Dad, See You Online.”
The lecture was opened by the school principal of “Oslobodioci Beograda,” Ms. Radica Karović, after which the attending parents were addressed by:
– Tijana Lazarević, Religious Education Teacher, and
– Zoran Luković, Coordinator of the Apologetics Section of the Missionary Department of the Archbishopric of Belgrade–Karlovci.
The lecture focused on identifying the dangers that young people may encounter in the digital environment, with particular attention given to offers and traps within the sphere of spirituality. The lecturers devoted special attention to contemporary methods employed by so-called “spiritual predators,” illustrating them with practical examples. They also pointed to both the paths and the pitfalls that lead many young people into spiritual deception and self-deception. Special emphasis was placed on the existence of online social groups of young people operating according to cult-like principles, along with all the potential consequences such associations entail: inappropriate content, manipulation, online peer violence, screen addiction, breaches of privacy, various rituals, challenges involving auto-aggressive behaviour, as well as encouragement towards real physical destruction and self-destruction.
Throughout the meeting, an exceptionally constructive and stimulating atmosphere prevailed, marked by attentiveness, genuine interest, and active participation on the part of those present. The audience demonstrated great interest through numerous questions, comments, and exchanges of personal experiences, which further enhanced the quality of the discussion and made room for practical guidance and concrete advice.
It is particularly significant that the participants expressed a clear need and desire for the continuation of such lectures, emphasizing that the topic of the digital world and the safety of young people within it is of immeasurable importance for parents and educators today.
The “School of Parenthood” programme will continue in the coming period, with the aim of offering support to parents through lectures and dialogue, strengthening educational capacities, and providing responses to the contemporary challenges of growing up.
PHOTOS: Photo archive of the “Oslobodioci of Belgrade” elementary school
