Parents' Guide to

Braceface

TV Disney Channel Kids' Animation 2001
Braceface Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Sarah Wenk , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Unpredictable braces wreak havoc; kids will enjoy

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 8 parent reviews

firefliesonmyroof
firefliesonmyroof Parent of 10, 13 and 17-year-old
June 2, 2022
age 10+

recommend for pre-teens. It will help your child grow

I watched this show when I was around nine, and rewatched it around 15, and then again around 17. I really recommend it, I think the episodes are made in an interesting way, and she learns about, a lot of important subjects in a subtle manner. Like: racism, sexism, insecurities, activism, relationships and their heartbreak, smoking, drinking, divorced parents, vegaetarianism, getting her period, dieting and the dangers of it etc. I'd recommend them to start watching this around 11-13 since this is the peak for 'pre-teen-stuff but after that they'd probably enjoy it too like I did. And honestly, if you show your child this show before that it won't be a big deal since there is a core value in all the stories and it isn't graphic at all. I think children are way smarter then we think they are, and we really should give them a chance to learn if they want to. This show won't harm them. Children are smarter then we think and we should encourage them to learn about these things from early on, and I really liked how this show did that. It definitely isn't perfect, but Sharon is a realistic character that will help your child deal with her life (once it happens) a very real role model. Please let your child watch the show and maybe watch it with them and talk about the show after to reflect.
Joe L.
Joe L. Adult
December 13, 2023
age 18+

Not for kids

Not for kids
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In BRACEFACE, Sharon Spitz (voiced by Clueless' Alicia Silverstone) is a pretty, blond 14-year-old, starting high school and learning a lot about growing up. Surrounded by friends and family, she has one major obstacle to prevent her life from running smoothly -- her braces sometimes create a magnetic field that causes various kinds of trouble, such as opening her best friend's diary or sticking her to the chandelier.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (19 ):

Braceface is typical of a lot of TV fare about teens -- strange braces aside, life seems a lot simpler for these characters than most teens probably find it. But the show addresses the major issues of adolescence -- freedom and responsibility, the social perils of high school, starting relationships, and so on -- in a nicely straightforward way. The situations are fairly clichéd: Sharon's mother goes out of town, and the kids throw a huge party; Sharon likes a new boy but leaves a message for him on someone else's cell phone; Sharon's best friend has a crush on her English teacher.

And, of course, each episode is punctuated by Sharon's braces acting weird. The show might be better without this device. It does attempt to take on some of the real issues facing teens. But ultimately it's rather lightweight and, well, cartoony. There's nothing wrong with that, but it could use a bit more substance and less silliness.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Sharon's experiences and the consequences of her behavior. How do your kids feel about braces -- do they dread having/needing them? Are Sharon's experiences humorous?

TV Details

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