Bluey, an animated Aussie pup, has become a global phenomenon with over 150 episodes that have captured kids’ hearts and minds. But what’s behind its success? Our new study reveals that Bluey isn’t just entertaining children, but also models how to deal with life’s ups and downs, teaching kids valuable resilience skills.
Resilience is vital for healthy child development. It helps manage stress, regulate emotions, build better relationships, and perform well at school. Without it, kids may be more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and poor coping skills later in life.
Research shows that early interventions can help build healthy coping skills before negative patterns take hold. And Bluey is no exception. By watching 150 episodes, we analyzed how the show presents resilience on screen, using the Grotberg Resilience Framework as a guide.
Our findings reveal nearly half of all episodes included a clear resilience message, with most often facilitated by a parent – usually Bluey’s mum. The show models emotional coaching, problem-solving, and empathy, helping kids learn to manage negative emotions effectively.
Moments like “I have” (support systems), “I can” (practical coping skills), and “I am” (inner strengths) are woven throughout the episodes. Characters demonstrate resilience by trusting relationships, communicating emotions, solving problems, regulating themselves, and showing empathy.
By watching Bluey with your kids, you become a powerful teaching tool. Join them when they want to watch an episode for the tenth time, and use those moments as conversation starters to help them reflect, process, and build skills to cope, adapt, and grow.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/psychologists-watched-150-episodes-of-bluey-heres-what-they-learned