Psychologist Abhishek Banerji Launches “Empathy P.A.U.S.E” for Gen Alpha Students

Mumbai, India | January 2026:-Psychologist, TEDx speaker, and visiting faculty at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Abhishek Banerji, introduced a new empathy-building framework called Empathy P.A.U.S.E earlier this January at VibeCheck, a school workshop designed for Gen Alpha students.

Empathy P.A.U.S.E is a simple, memorable framework that guides students to pause, reflect, and choose responses that protect respect and belonging. It was introduced through an interactive session on bullying awareness, digital behavior, and everyday empathy. The approach acts as a mental speed breaker, helping young people think about the real people behind their words, consider whether their actions include or exclude others, and reflect on their possible impact, especially in digital spaces where messages can spread quickly and cannot easily be taken back.

Nearly half of Indian teens report experiencing online harassment, highlighting the urgent need for digital empathy and cyber safety as part of student wellbeing. Research in India shows that around one-third of students have experienced cyberbullying, with social messaging apps and social networks among the most common platforms where it occurs. Empathy P.A.U.S.E offers schools a simple, practical way to support these conversations in age-appropriate ways.

Reflecting on working with Gen Alpha students, Banerji shared:

“There was a quiet question in the background. Will I still be relevant here? But somewhere between learning to speak skibidi, six-seven, rizz, sus, no cap, and sigma, I realized what actually mattered was not fluency. It was authenticity. Genuine connection. Respecting their perspectives. Creating spaces where they felt heard, not talked at.

What surprised me most was how informed and open this generation already is about mental health, empathy, and bullying, often more than adults give them credit for.”

During the workshop, students explored the difference between humor and harm, intent and impact, and how everyday choices shape belonging and inclusion. They were introduced to the African philosophy of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are,” to understand empathy as a shared responsibility. Through relatable examples, students discussed behaviors that can include or exclude others and the difference between laughing with and laughing at.

A key focus of the session was empowering students with language, boundaries, and action steps. By naming feelings, behaviors, and social dynamics, they built confidence to recognize uncomfortable situations, express personal boundaries, speak up, and support their peers. Students also learned practical ways to respond to bullying, whether directly affected or witnessing it.

Abhishek works at the intersection of mental health, leadership, and expressive arts, designing programs for corporates, classrooms, clinics, and communities. Empathy P.A.U.S.E is designed to complement existing school wellbeing and safeguarding initiatives by offering a shared and easy-to-remember language and action steps for navigating everyday social situations.

The framework is now being offered to schools as part of age appropriate programs on wellbeing, empathy, and responsible digital citizenship.

For more information

Website: www.theabhishekbanerji.com

Instagram: @theabhishekbanerji