Is Mean Girls Appropriate for Kids? What to Know About the PG-13-Rated Movie

Mean girls it is renewed for a whole new generation.

Following the success of the 2004 film, Paramount Pictures is bringing the fan-favorite story back to the big screen, with a new musical twist.

Featuring songs from the 2018 Tony-nominated Broadway musical of the same name, the film stars an all-new cast (along with cameos from several original cast members) as they breathe life into the fan-favorite story.

While there are a few key differences between the two films, rest assured, it still pays homage to the original in many ways, including notable one-liners and some returning faces, such as Tina Fey and Tim Meadows reprising their roles as Mrs. Norbury and the Headmaster. Duvall.

For those “cool moms” and parents hoping to introduce their children to the world of plastic, there are a few things you should know before heading to the theaters. The Motion Picture Association rated the film PG-13, citing “sexual material, coarse language and teenage drinking.”

Here’s a parent’s guide to the new Mean girls movie.

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There is some rough language

There is strong language throughout the film, including the use of words such as “dick” and “slut”. Additionally, there is some implied profanity, including one character being called an “ugly cow”.

There are some “sexy” clothes

Paramount Pictures

Many of the Plastics wear risque outfits throughout the film, including one character showing off a bra under a Christmas costume, shirts with a bare eye, and several “sexy” Halloween costumes, just like in the original film.

In fact, in the new movie, Karen sings an entire song about “hot” Halloween costumes for the holidays, which is perfectly titled “Sexy.” As she shows off everyone’s different sexy looks at the party, she sings, “This is what modern feminism says / I expect to lead the world / In shoes I can’t walk in.”

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Bullying and peer pressure are central themes

Just like the original, the new film focuses heavily on the bullying and peer pressure that teenagers face in high school. As the queen bee of Northshore High, Regina is often shown verbally attacking her classmates and close friends. Meanwhile, Cady deals with peer pressure as she tries to find her place at her new high school.

Giving a modern update to the story, the new film also focuses on the negative effects of social media on young teenagers, particularly as one character is “cancelled” online.

There are several talks about coming out

Jojo Whilden/Paramount

While the original Mean girls with all things LGTBQ+, the new film dives deeper into conversations around coming out. In particular, Janis and Regina’s backstory was slightly altered as it was revealed that Janis came out to Regina when they were friends, and Regina betrayed her trust by making fun of her in front of her colleagues behind her back.

“It feels great,” Auli’i Cravalho told PEOPLE about playing canonical LGBTQ+ Janis in the new film. “I love that Lebanese/lesbian joke from our ’04 classic, but now we’re bringing it back… We don’t use lesbian as an insult anymore, thank you very much. And I think that is very important for the national team.”

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There is mild violence

The entire film contains some mildly violent moments. Namely, like the original, a big fight breaks out at school when Regina gives the Burnt Book and its contents to her classmates.

The new film also features the infamous bus scene with Regina and includes a reference to death as one character reveals that Regina was dead seconds after being hit by the bus before being revived.

Some scenes show alcohol consumption and partying

Jojo Whilden/Paramount Pictures

As the Motion Picture Association noted in its rating for the film, the film depicts underage drinking during various party scenes in the film, including a Halloween party and Cady’s house party, which she secretly throws when her mother is out of town. In the final scene, Cady also gets drunk as she worries about whether or not Aaron will show up to her party.

There are some suggestive themes

Coach Carr is back in a new movie (this time starring Jon Hamm). Just like in the original, the coach has many open conversations about sex during physical education at Northshore High. Gretchen’s erratic on-again, off-again boyfriend Jason also tries to woo Cady sexually when they first meet, and many of the characters are shown kissing throughout the film.

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Source: HIS Education