Kindness and Empathy in Context: Links Among Social Relationships, Mental Health, and Attainment at School — Professor Robin Banerjee

Professor Robin Banerjee will share research findings regarding the social and emotional development of children and young people at school, and consider the implications of his work on empathy and kindness for promoting positive relationships, mental health, and wellbeing across the whole school community. Participants will examine the evidence linking prosocial behaviour with positive mental health and academic attainment, and consider practical strategies for embedding kindness into leadership practice. The session invites reflection on how small acts of kindness can create powerful ripples across whole-school communities, supporting both staff and student flourishing.

Robin is Professor of Developmental Psychology and the University of Sussex’s inaugural Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global and Civic Engagement. He is also the founder of the Sussex Centre for Research on Kindness and recently led The Kindness Test with the BBC: the world’s largest public science project on kindness. With a career dedicated to understanding the emotional and social development of children and young people, Robin’s work offers powerful guidance for educators seeking to create more inclusive, connected and compassionate schools.