Love, Simon

No physical violence, but two male students mime anal sex on a cafeteria table while asking whether Simon likes it and call other students "fruity" and "f-g." A boy blackmails Simon to help him get time with one of his female friends, which may edge closer to exploitation than parents would like (he doesn't get anywhere and doesn't attempt to force himself on her).

Characters talk about sex, especially in one scene where a nervous, inexperienced teen talks about "how dark it is" and "how slippery everything gets"; only a few kisses in the film, both same- and opposite-sex. Characters aren't as sex-obsessed as they occasionally are in teen movies; focus is more on romance and love. One reference to "H.J.s," and a father refers to a teen masturbating and suggests a Grindr account.

Occasional cursing includes one use of "f--k," plus "dumbass," "s--t," "hell," "goddamn," and "a--hole." Some homophobic language: "fruity," "f-g," "butt sex," and a boy is called "she" insultingly (he responds with a joke about his "micropenis" that he compares to a "baby carrot").

Teens drink out of red Solo cups at a party and play beer pong. Simon arrives home drunk; his parents realize it and decide to let it pass, since he had a sober friend drive him home and made it back by curfew. Another boy at a party throws up. Joke about huffing paint. Cigar smoking.

Parents need to know that Love, Simon is a dramedy based on the YA novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. It focuses on a high school senior (Nick Robinson) who finds the confidence to come out after corresponding with an anonymous friend online. It's not as edgy as many teen movies, but there's still some iffy stuff. Two homophobic teens tease and prank Simon and another gay student, calling them "f-g," "fruity," and "she." And in the school cafeteria, they climb on a table and mime anal sex. Administrators and fellow students alike condemn the display and support Simon and the other student, ultimately cheering when two gay students kiss (there's other kissing, too). Teens drink beer and play drinking games at a party; one comes home drunk, and his parents decide not to do anything because he didn't drive drunk and came home by curfew. Background cigar smoking. One joke refers to huffing paint, others to masturbation, "H.J.s," and Grindr. But overall, sex is referred to in not-very-graphic terms. A boy blackmails Simon to get time with Simon's cute female friend, and Simon goes along with it; he later atones, but the friend rightfully feels exploited. Language includes one use of "f--k," plus "dumbass," "s--t," "goddamn," and "a--hole." All of this said, the movie is positive and affirming, with messages of courage, integrity, and empathy. Characters are accepting of all of their friends' and family members' traits, including being gay, and are loving and supportive.

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