Never Been Kissed (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Josie Geller, a baby-faced junior copywriter at the Chicago Sun-Times, must pose as a student at her former high school to research contemporary teenage culture. With the help of her brother, Rob, Josie infiltrates the inner circle of the most popular clique on campus. But she hits a major snag in her investigation -- not to mention her own failed love life -- when she falls for her dreamy English teacher, Sam Coulson.
Rated PG-13 • 1999 • 1h 47m
This romantic comedy is rated PG-13 primarily for its focus on sex-related material and a scene involving drug use. The plot follows Josie Geller, a 25-year-old reporter who goes undercover as a high school student, leading to themes of bullying, deception, and the emotional toll of trying to fit in. Parents should be aware of scenes involving underage drinking, a character unintentionally consuming a hash brownie, frequent sexual… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Never Been Kissed appropriate for kids?
This romantic comedy is rated PG-13 primarily for its focus on sex-related material and a scene involving drug use. The plot follows Josie Geller, a 25-year-old reporter who goes undercover as a high school student, leading to themes of bullying, deception, and the emotional… Read more — free account
Content severity in Never Been Kissed
What happens in Never Been Kissed, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:16 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:23 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Never Been Kissed
Moderate. The film contains frequent sexual innuendo and discussions appropriate for its PG-13 rating. In a classroom scene, students practice putting condoms on bananas. One character makes a brief but clear gesture mimicking oral sex with a pencil. Various characters are seen in cleavage- and midriff-revealing tops or shirtless with towels. The central plot involves a romance between a teacher and a student he believes is a teenager. There are several passionate kisses, including the climactic kiss at the end.
Violence and gore in Never Been Kissed
Very mild. Violence is infrequent and played for comedic or dramatic effect, with no gore. In a flashback, a teenage Josie is cruelly pranked when several eggs are thrown at her on prom night. Later, another character attempts to dump a bucket of dog food on a student at the prom but is stopped. One slapstick moment involves a character running into a door and being briefly knocked out, resulting in a small red bump.
Language in Never Been Kissed
Mild. The language is not pervasive. There is one use of "shit" according to IMDb user reports. Other language includes a few uses of "ass," "damn," "hell," and insults common to a high school setting, such as "loser" and "geek."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Never Been Kissed
Moderate. There is one prominent scene where Josie unknowingly eats a piece of a hash brownie at a club and becomes high, leading to dizzy, erratic behavior. In another sequence at a teen hangout called "The Court," high school students are clearly visible drinking beer from bottles and cups. Some adults drink alcohol in social settings.
Mature themes in Never Been Kissed
Moderate to strong. The film's primary themes involve the lasting emotional impact of bullying and public humiliation. Josie's past trauma from being ostracized in high school is a central part of her character arc, shown in a painful flashback to a prom night prank. Themes of deception and professional ethics are also present, as Josie lies about her identity for a story. The ethically complicated romance between a teacher and someone he believes to be his student is a core plot element.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Never Been Kissed appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Never Been Kissed is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This romantic comedy is rated PG-13 primarily for its focus on sex-related material and a scene involving drug use. The plot follows Josie Geller, a 25-year-old reporter who goes undercover as a high school student…
What age rating does Never Been Kissed have?
Never Been Kissed is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Never Been Kissed about?
This romantic comedy is rated PG-13 primarily for its focus on sex-related material and a scene involving drug use. The plot follows Josie Geller, a 25-year-old reporter who goes undercover as a high school student, leading to themes of bullying, deception, and the emotional toll of trying to fit in. Parents should be…
Is there sex or nudity in Never Been Kissed?
Moderate. The film contains frequent sexual innuendo and discussions appropriate for its PG-13 rating. In a classroom scene, students practice putting condoms on bananas. One character makes a brief but clear gesture mimicking oral sex with a pencil. Various…
How violent is Never Been Kissed?
Very mild. Violence is infrequent and played for comedic or dramatic effect, with no gore. In a flashback, a teenage Josie is cruelly pranked when several eggs are thrown at her on prom night. Later, another character attempts to dump a bucket of dog food on…
Is the language in Never Been Kissed appropriate for kids?
Mild. The language is not pervasive. There is one use of "shit" according to IMDb user reports. Other language includes a few uses of "ass," "damn," "hell," and insults common to a high school setting, such as "loser" and "geek."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Never Been Kissed?
Moderate. There is one prominent scene where Josie unknowingly eats a piece of a hash brownie at a club and becomes high, leading to dizzy, erratic behavior. In another sequence at a teen hangout called "The Court," high school students are clearly visible…
What mature themes appear in Never Been Kissed?
Moderate to strong. The film's primary themes involve the lasting emotional impact of bullying and public humiliation. Josie's past trauma from being ostracized in high school is a central part of her character arc, shown in a painful flashback to a prom…
How long is Never Been Kissed?
Never Been Kissed runs 107 minutes, directed by Raja Gosnell, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full Never Been Kissed parent guide?
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