Researchers have analysed 150 episodes of the hit Australian children's show Bluey and found that nearly half contain clear messages about resilience. The study, which examined all episodes from seasons one to three, used the Grotberg Resilience Framework to identify moments where characters faced challenges and demonstrated resilient responses.
The framework breaks resilience into three key elements: 'I have' (support systems), 'I can' (coping skills), and 'I am' (inner strengths). The study found that nearly two-thirds of resilience moments were facilitated by a parent, most often Bluey's mother, Chilli. This aligns with the 'I have' category, highlighting how children draw strength from caring adults.
For example, in the episode The Show (season two, episode 19), Bingo accidentally drops a breakfast tray and cries. Chilli models emotional coaching by explaining her coping process: 'I have a little cry, I pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep going.' Later, Bingo repeats those exact words when things go wrong again, demonstrating how children learn to manage negative emotions through caregiver modelling.
The study also found that Bluey and her sister Bingo frequently demonstrate practical coping skills on their own. In Keepy Uppy (season one, episode three), when the final balloon pops, the children pause and say, 'Well, that was fun,' showing disappointment, emotional regulation, and reframing—core aspects of the 'I can' category.
Resilience is vital for healthy child development, helping children manage stress, regulate emotions, build better relationships, and perform better at school. Without it, children may be more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. The researchers note that storytelling in TV shows can model behaviours like emotional regulation, problem-solving, and empathy, making Bluey a valuable tool for building resilience in young viewers.
