Bluey: The Surprising Salve For College Student Anxiety
Bluey: The Surprising Salve For College Student Anxiety
Written by Aleks Carney
Art by Aleks Carney
"Oh my gosh, I LOVE your shirt! I watch Bluey all the time, where did you get that?" This comment about the Bluey sweatshirt I was wearing came not from a child, whose age demographic the Australian cartoon show is aimed at, but from a fellow college student waiting in line for coffee at Starbucks.
Bluey, the Australian animated children's show, has been gaining popularity amongst a surprising demographic: college students. While the show's primary audience is intended to be preschool-aged children, college students have found themselves drawn to the lighthearted and heartwarming adventures of Bluey, a six year old blue heeler dog, and her family. But why are college students so obsessed with a children's show? Bluey offers comfort and a sense of nostalgia that can help ease the anxieties of young adults.
As a college student, I can attest to the restorative power of Bluey. Over the past year, I've relied on the show to help me manage my anxiety and cope with the stresses of everyday life. When the world around me feels overwhelming and chaotic, Bluey provides a calming and reassuring escape, reminding me of the importance of family, love, and empathy.
But I'm not alone in my love for Bluey. Many college students have found comfort in the show’s wholesome storylines, vibrant colors, and cheerful music. Braelyn Spitler ‘25 says, “I like Bluey because it feels like a break. Everything else in life is so stressful, so it's nice to be able to take a load off and just enjoy a show.” This sentiment is echoed by many college students who feel overwhelmed by the demands of higher education, work, and social pressures. Bluey provides a respite from these stressors and offers a sense of escape and control that can be difficult to find in the real world.
But it's not just the escapism that appeals to college students. Kylie Couple '26 notes that Bluey provides a sense of nostalgia and childlike wonder that many young adults may not have experienced in their own childhoods. "Seeing children having kind and understanding parents on a show where that's normalized lets them temporarily forget about the traumas of their childhood and vicariously live through Bluey and Bingo with their kind and loving parents, Bandit and Chili." For many college students, Bluey represents a comforting and idealized version of childhood that they may not have had.
Beyond the nostalgia, Bluey's focus on family dynamics and emotional intelligence can be therapeutic for college students dealing with their struggles. The show's emphasis on communication, empathy, and problem-solving can serve as a reminder of the importance of these skills in building healthy relationships. Despite being a children's show, Bluey manages to capture the essence of what it means to be human. The characters are flawed and relatable, and the storylines tackle real-life issues in a way that is accessible to both children and adults. Watching Bluey navigate the ups and downs of childhood with her family can provide comfort and inspiration for college students struggling to navigate their own lives.
For me, watching Bluey has become a go-to tool for managing stress. As someone who has struggled with anxiety for much of my life, I find that watching this show is a calming and reassuring experience. I grew up with shows like Blue's Clues and Bear in the Big Blue House, so watching Bluey feels like coming home.
In particular, "The Creek" episode stands out as a source of comfort. In the episode, Bluey and her sister Bingo embark on an adventure to the local creek with their father Bandit. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, but they work together as a family to overcome them. As they explore the creek, they take in the sights and sounds of their surroundings, reminding viewers to appreciate the beauty of the world around them. The gentle music and soothing colors of the episode also create a sense of relaxation and comfort. It serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures and adventures with loved ones can be the most fulfilling and calming experiences.
Bluey reminds us of the importance of caring for ourselves and finding joy in the small things in life. So the next time you feel overwhelmed, take a break and tune in to an episode of Bluey. You might find it is exactly what you need to calm your mind and soothe your soul.