Mean Girls Common Sense Media Review: What Parents and Kids Should Know

Mean Girls Common Sense Media is a great place to find out if the movie Mean Girls is okay for kids or teens to watch. Many parents and teachers use Common Sense Media to check if a movie has too much bad language, bullying, or other things that might not be good for young people.In this blog, we’ll talk about what Mean Girls Common Sense Media says about the movie. We’ll help you understand what’s in the movie, why it’s popular, and what parts parents should know before letting their kids watch it. Let’s keep it simple and helpful, just like how we’d explain things to a friend.

What Is Mean Girls Common Sense Media

Mean Girls Common Sense Media is a trusted source for parents seeking information about the movie Mean Girls. It provides reviews and ratings to help determine if the film is suitable for children and teens.

Why Parents Use It

Parents rely on Common Sense Media to understand the content of movies. It helps in making informed decisions about what their children watch.

What Is the Movie Mean Girls About

The comedy Mean Girls examines high school life. It follows Cady Heron as she navigates the intricate social dynamics of teenagers.

Key Themes

• Friendship: The importance of true friends.
• Bullying: The impact of hurtful behavior.
• Self-Identity: Staying true to oneself.

Is Mean Girls Suitable for Kids

According to Common Sense Media, Mean Girls is rated PG-13. This means it’s suitable for teens but may not be appropriate for younger children.

Content Warnings

• Language: Some strong language is used.
• Substance Use: Occasional references to alcohol.
• Mature Themes: Includes discussions on relationships and peer pressure.

What Parents Should Know

Before allowing children to watch Mean Girls, parents should be aware of its content. Discussing the themes beforehand can provide context and foster understanding.

Discussion Points

• Respect: The importance of treating others kindly.
• Peer Pressure: How to handle group dynamics.
• Self-Esteem: Emphasizing the value of self-worth.

What Does Mean Girls Common Sense Media

Mean Girls Common Sense Media provides clear age ratings to help parents decide if the movie is right for their children. The film is rated PG-13, which means it’s generally suitable for teenagers but may not be appropriate for younger kids.

Age Rating Details

• It’s rated PG-13, which means it’s meant for people 13 and up.
• Why the Rating?: The movie includes mature themes, strong language, and some instances of bullying, which can be difficult for younger children to understand or process.

For parents wondering if their 12-year-old is ready for Mean Girls, it’s important to consider the maturity level of the child. While some teens may handle the movie’s messages and content better than others, younger kids might not be ready to process the themes of popularity and peer pressure.

Language and Humor in Mean Girls

“Mean Girls Common Sense Media” highlights the movie’s use of humor and language. The movie is known for its witty lines and funny moments, but it also contains some inappropriate language that may be concerning for parents.

Common Language and Phrases

• Strong Words: The movie uses words like “b****,” “hell,” and other mild expletives.
• Teen Gossip: There’s also a lot of talk about rumors and gossip, which may reflect real-world high school experiences.

Parents should be aware of how their kids might react to this language. While some teens might find it funny and relatable, others could feel uncomfortable or confused by the adult language and the way the characters interact.

Does Mean Girls Teach Important Lessons

Many parents are unsure whether Mean Girls teaches valuable life lessons or simply glorifies bad behavior. Mean Girls Common Sense Media dives into both sides, showing the valuable lessons the movie offers and the harmful behavior it might promote.

Key Lessons

• Bullying is Wrong: The movie shows how hurtful gossip and bullying can be, and how it impacts friendships.
• True Friendship: The importance of having genuine friends who support you.

However, the movie also highlights behaviors that aren’t positive. It showcases how some characters use manipulation and cruelty to get ahead, which may not always give the best example for young viewers.

Why Teens Love Mean Girls

Mean Girls Common Sense Media also discusses why the movie has remained so popular with teens. Despite its mature themes, Mean Girls resonates with high school students because of its relatable portrayal of teenage struggles.

What Makes It Relatable

• Social Drama: The pressures of fitting in and finding your identity.
• Relatable Characters: The “Mean Girls” themselves, who represent various types of school cliques.

For many teens, Mean Girls feels like a mirror of their own social challenges. The movie shows the highs and lows of teenage life, from fitting in with the cool kids to dealing with insecurities. This is why it continues to be a favorite, despite the mixed messages.

What Parents Can Do After Watching

Parents can help their children think about the themes in Mean Girls after they have watched it. Mean Girls Common Sense Media suggests that talking about the movie can turn it into a learning experience.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Talk About Bullying: Use the movie to discuss how bullying can hurt people.
• Discuss Self-Esteem: Encourage children to focus on self-worth over popularity.
• Support Healthy Friendships: Discuss the importance of kindness and loyalty in friendships.

By using Mean Girls as a conversation starter, parents can help their kids navigate the complex world of social media, popularity, and peer relationships in a healthier way.

How Mean Girls Reflects Real-Life High School Drama

Mean Girls Common Sense Media discusses how the movie mirrors real-life high school experiences. From cliques to gossip, the film captures the complexities of teenage life.

The Drama of High School Cliques

The movie highlights how different social groups, or cliques, rule high school life. You have the Plastics,who are the popular girls, and other students who feel left out or invisible. This dynamic is something many teens can relate to, as high school is often about fitting in or standing out.

• Popularity: The desire to be popular often leads to drama and hurt feelings.
• Bullying: Teens may experience bullying as they try to find their place in the social hierarchy.

For parents, this part of the movie can open a discussion about how to handle peer pressure and why it’s important to choose friends who treat you well.

Is Mean Girls Appropriate for Younger Audiences

Mean Girls Common Sense Media offers helpful insights for parents who are unsure whether younger kids can watch the movie. Although it’s rated PG-13, some parents might wonder if it’s appropriate for their children under 13.

Content Parents Should Watch Out For

• Sexual References: The movie has jokes and references that may be too mature for younger viewers.
• Profanity: There is use of mild profanity throughout the movie, which could be a concern for parents of younger children.
• Mature Themes: Topics such as dating, gossip, and bullying may be difficult for younger kids to fully grasp.

If your child is under 13, Mean Girls Common Sense Media suggests that parents watch the film first to see if it fits their child’s maturity level.

What Are the Positive Messages in Mean Girls

Despite its sometimes negative portrayal of high school life, Mean Girls Common Sense Media points out several positive lessons in the movie. It’s not all about drama and conflict; there are moments that teach valuable life lessons.

Important Lessons for Teens

• Stand Up for Yourself: The movie shows that it’s important to speak up when you’re being treated badly.
• True Friendship Matters: The characters ultimately learn that honesty and loyalty are key to healthy friendships.

For parents, Mean Girls can be a way to talk to kids about making smart choices when it comes to friends and standing up for themselves in tough situations.

How to Guide Your Kids After Watching Mean Girls

Once your kids have seen Mean Girls, Mean Girls Common Sense Media recommends having a conversation about what they watched. Parents can turn the movie into a learning opportunity by discussing its themes and encouraging positive behaviors.

Conversation Tips for Parents

• Ask Questions: Get your kids talking about the movie. Ask them what they learned and thought about the characters.
• Discuss the Realities of High School: Help your kids understand that while Mean Girls is exaggerated, some aspects of high school drama are real.
• Promote Kindness: Make use of the movie to discuss how important it is to be kind, honest, and respectful of others.

Having these conversations can help kids separate movie fiction from real-world situations, and make better choices in their own social circles.

Why Mean Girls is still a phenomenon in popular culture

Mean Girls continues to be a favorite in popular culture years after its release. Mean Girls Common Sense Media notes that the movie continues to have a major impact on teen culture and the way high school life is portrayed in movies.

Catchphrases and Quotes

• On Wednesdays, we wear pink: Many teenagers still quote this line today. It has become an iconic one.
• “You can’t sit with us!”: Another well-known line from the movie that is frequently used in memes and online discussions.

The lasting popularity of Mean Girls shows how much it resonates with teens. It has been referenced in countless other TV shows, movies, and online content, ensuring that it will remain a staple in pop culture for years to come.

What Mean Girls Teaches About Peer Pressure

Mean Girls Common Sense Media provides valuable insights on how the movie deals with peer pressure. The movie does a great job of showing how teens face pressure to fit in with certain groups, even if it means acting against their values.

The Power of Group Dynamics

In Mean Girls, Cady Heron initially tries to fit into the Plastics clique, even though their behavior goes against her own principles. This highlights a key issue that many teens face: the desire to belong. The movie illustrates how group pressure can lead people to make choices they wouldn’t otherwise make.

• Conformity: Teens often feel the need to act like everyone else to avoid being left out.
• Manipulation: Some characters use peer pressure to manipulate others for their own gain.

For parents, this is a good moment to discuss how peer pressure can influence choices. It’s important for kids to learn to stand up for themselves and make decisions based on their own values, not just the desire to fit in.

How Mean Girls Deals with Self-Esteem Issues

Mean Girls Common Sense Media explores how the movie shows the impact of low self-esteem. Cady Heron’s journey throughout the movie is a perfect example of how insecurities can lead to unhealthy behavior.

Building Self-Confidence

At the beginning of the movie, Cady is an outsider who doesn’t understand the social rules of high school. However, as her involvement with the “Plastics” grows, she loses herself and compromises her morals. This reflects how self-doubt and the desire for approval can affect one’s sense of self-worth.

• The Pressure of Perfection: The characters in the movie, especially the “Plastics,” promote unrealistic beauty standards, which can cause teens to feel insecure about their own appearance.
• The Importance of Being Yourself: By the end of the movie, Cady learns the value of being authentic and not trying to be someone else.

For parents, this theme is a great opportunity to talk about the importance of self-esteem. Teaching kids to love and accept themselves is key to their development and happiness.

What Parents Should Consider Before Letting Kids Watch Mean Girls

Before allowing kids to watch Mean Girls, Mean Girls Common Sense Media suggests that parents assess their child’s maturity level. It’s important to understand the movie’s themes and decide if the content is suitable for your child’s age and emotional readiness.

Balancing Entertainment with Responsibility

While Mean Girls is a fun and popular movie, it also contains themes that might not be suitable for every child. Parents should weigh the entertainment value against the potential for teaching negative behaviors, like gossip, bullying, and manipulation.

• Are they ready?: Is your child emotionally ready to handle mature themes like peer pressure, bullying, and relationship drama?
• Discuss the movie: If you decide to let your child watch it, watching together and having a discussion afterward can help put things into perspective.

By discussing the content with your child after watching the movie, you can help them better understand the themes and the real-world consequences of the actions portrayed on screen.

The Legacy of Mean Girls and Its Impact on Pop Culture

Since its release, Mean Girls has become an iconic part of pop culture. Mean Girls Common Sense Media notes that the movie continues to influence many aspects of society, from fashion trends to social media behavior.

Mean Girls in Pop Culture

• Fashion Influence: The movie’s portrayal of high school fashion, especially the iconic pink outfits worn by the “Plastics,” has influenced fashion trends, especially around prom and homecoming.
• Social Media: The movie’s most famous quotes and scenes are regularly shared on social media platforms, making it a cultural touchstone for both teenagers and adults.

What makes Mean Girls so enduring is its relatability. Even though it’s a fictional story, the movie reflects real struggles that teens experience, such as navigating friendships, dealing with peer pressure, and finding confidence. These elements keep it relevant, even after years of being released.

How to Use Mean Girls as a Teaching Tool for Parents

Mean Girls Common Sense Media emphasizes how parents can use the movie as a tool to teach valuable lessons about high school life, friendship, and making good choices. By using the film as a conversation starter, parents can guide their children through the challenges they may face in their own social circles.

Discussion Topics for Parents

• The Importance of Kindness: Talk about the consequences of bullying and why kindness is essential in all relationships.
• Healthy Friendships: Discuss the differences between true friends and toxic friendships. Teach your kids how to spot the signs of unhealthy relationships.
• Handling Peer Pressure: Use the movie to talk about how to resist peer pressure and make independent, thoughtful choices.

By talking through these issues, parents can help their kids avoid making the same mistakes that characters in Mean Girls make. It’s an opportunity for growth and reflection in a way that’s fun, relatable, and engaging.

Conclusion

Mean Girls Common Sense Media is a great tool for parents to figure out if Mean Girls is suitable for their kids. While it’s a funny and relatable movie for teens, it also has themes about bullying, gossip, and peer pressure that may be tough for younger viewers. It’s important for parents to watch the movie first and decide if it aligns with their child’s maturity level.At the end of the day, Mean Girls can be a fun movie for older teens, but it’s also a great chance for parents to have important conversations about self-esteem, friendship, and handling social situations. By discussing the movie’s themes together, families can use it as a teaching moment to help kids make better choices in real life.

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