Dickens & Rumi
Cover of How to Have Sex

film

How to Have Sex

2024

Three British teenage girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday—drinking, clubbing and hooking up, in what should be the best summer of their lives.

Ages 18+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent teenage drinking and partying, explicit sexual situations, coercive sexual pressure, and a central sexual-assault storyline require substantial emotional maturity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age18+

Strongest cautions

  • Sexual content & nudity5/5
  • Alcohol or drugs4/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5
  • Diverse representation2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No notable commercial product placement.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent use of coarse language typical of teenage party settings.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

One character expresses interest in a lesbian friend; queer identity is part of the ensemble's natural dynamic.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Explores teenage dating, crushes, and sexual dynamics that are often pressured or unhealthy.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Situations involving feeling trapped or vulnerable while intoxicated create significant tension.

Sexual content & nudity5/5
Why this rating?

Features scenes involving sexual activity, sexual pressure, and themes of non-consensual sexual encounter.

Alcohol or drugs4/5
Why this rating?

Characters frequently drink alcohol and engage in party culture throughout the film.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Depicts psychological and sexual coercion rather than physical combat.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows courage in navigating her trauma and confiding in her friend.

Creativity & curiosity1/5
Why this rating?

Depicts character dynamics with a raw, realistic approach.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Characters reflect a diverse group of teenagers, though the focus remains on the specific interpersonal drama.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Serves as a cautionary exploration of consent and the realities of sexual pressure.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Some characters show kindness, though the environment is often hostile.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Critiques toxic social pressures and the importance of consent and supporting friends.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed teenagers making complex and often painful mistakes, with some supportive friendship shown.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. Were there any mature relationship themes worth talking through together?
  3. Which choice in How to Have Sex would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in How to Have Sex, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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