Information for Parents

Never Been Kissed

Never Been Kissed

Common Sense Media Age 13

Parents Need To Know

Positive Messages
Josie ultimately learns important lessons about being proud of who you are -- and that being true to yourself and your friends matters more than fitting in. There's also a strong theme about it never being too late to start over/try again. But there's also a lot of dishonesty in the story, and some of the attractions/flirtations between characters who aren't quite what they seem (twentysomething/teenager, and teacher/supposed student) can be uncomfortable.
Positive Role Models & Representations
Violence
Some comic pratfalls, etc. A character throws eggs at another character.
Sex
Kissing and lots of flirting -- some of it between characters who would have problematic age differences if they were all telling the truth ("teenage" Josie and a teacher, Josie and her brother and actual teenagers). In a scene in which high schoolers are meant to learn about sex ed, they're shown putting condoms on bananas (with references to "the real thing"), and anatomical models are shown. A supporting character frequently discusses her sex life (with some lewd gestures/references) and is implied to sleep around. Teen characters talk about sex/losing virginity. Some skimpy/tight outfits on teenage girls.
Language
A couple of uses of "s--t," plus "oh my God," "ass," "hell," "goddamn," and "damn."
Consumerism
The Chicago Sun-Times and Tribune newspapers are mentioned frequently (Josie works for the Sun-Times); Josie talks about her car by its brand name (Buick).
Education Value
Ease of Play
Privacy
Josie unknowingly eats a pot brownie and gets very high/silly -- the scene is played for comedy. Teens drink at a party, and a teen girl who's acting goofy during prom admits to having had some champagne. Some background smoking and beer drinking by adults.
Common Sense Media web site