The panel featured Prof. Dr. Rafia Rafique, Director of the Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, and President of the Pakistan Psychological Association; Dr. Iram Zehra Bokharey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at The Fairway Clinic and Niazi Hospital and Vice President of PACP; Ms. Syeda Iram Naqvi, General Manager Student Wellbeing at Beaconhouse School System; and Ms. Sadia Nawaz, Head of Student Counseling at The City School. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Bismah Tayyab, Lecturer at the Institute of Psychology, and chaired by Dr. Ruhi Khalid, Director Institute of Psychology.
During the discussion, panelists explored the distinctive psychological and social realities shaping Generation Alpha, a cohort growing up entirely within digital environments. Prof. Dr. Rafia Rafique highlighted that rapid digitalization presents an unprecedented range of mental health challenges compared to those faced by previous generations. The panel further addressed rising emotional and behavioral concerns, evolving coping patterns among young people, and the critical role of schools and families in fostering resilience and psychological wellbeing. The session concluded with remarks by Dr. Ruhi Khalid, who emphasized the importance of thoughtful engagement by educators, parents, and mental health professionals in navigating the evolving needs of childhood in the digital age.
