By giving Hannah/Miley at least somewhat relatable problems, the show helps kids figure out ways to cope with similar issues in their own lives. Overall it's upbeat and positive.
Positive Role Models
some
Hannah/Miley is spunky but also relatably nervous about everday teen worries. A widowed dad is very responsive to his son and daughter. That said, the characters can get a bit sassy/disrespectful at times, and there's definitely an aura of aspirational glamour over the whole thing (after all, Hannah is a megastar...).
Educational Value
none
The show's intent is to entertain rather than educate.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that within the context of silly, preteen humor, main characters face normal adolescent challenges: How do I fit in? Will my friends like me if I'm different? How do I get her/him to notice me? Girls and boys talk about each other in the context of romantic relationships, dating, and kissing, but no sex. Tweens will certainly notice the glitz and glamour of the pop princess, but her actual appeal is how she faces everyday challenges in this dynamic part of development. (Note: The show's fourth and final season is promoted under the title Hannah Montana Forever.)
I watched Hannah Montana as a kid, I loved it and even now I'm a fan of Miley Cyrus because we stan wlw representation. But going back to the show in my 20s has shown me all the problematic content specifically gender stereotypes and taboo relationships. The show intends to provide good messages to kids about morality and everything else but the bad far outweighs the good. I would not let my little cousins watch this show.
I find that Hannah dresses reavealing quite often, and the plot of the show includes many themes that makes the actors look like bad role models. My youngest daughter made me see an episode where Miley was dating a bad boy so her father would let her date her "real" boyfriend, but she falls in love with the bad boy and than lots of drama occurs. Also, everyone is very rude and bratty.
What's the Story?
Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) is a 14-year-old trying to live a normal life as a regular kid. She has fallen for a boy in class, works hard for good grades, and has a best friend with whom she shares her deepest secret: that she's also pop star Hannah Montana. Her widowed dad, Robbie (country star Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus's real-life father), doubles as her manager and confidante in many of her teen challenges.
Miley/Hannah lives the dream life of a pop star, but it's her relatable problems during school and everyday social life that make her so likable. She doesn't want to give up either of her worlds and manages (unrealistically) to keep them separate through many humorous close-calls.
Hannah Montana is from the producers of That's So Raven; obviously, Disney knows how to style a show (attractive kids, popular jargon) to appeal to female tweens. While the main characters are all white, there's the usual sprinkling of girls and boys of color to round out the supporting cast.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Hannah's fear that her peers will react differently to her when they find out she's a celebrity. How can we be true to ourselves and also feel like we're fitting in and part of a peer group?
Why is it important to show respect to others? Do the ways that the characters talk about and react to other girls and boys liv up to that standard?
Is it realistic for a young girl to have seemingly endless access to clothes and accessories? In what ways is Hannah/Miley's life realistic?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
