To Save a Life

Why Is To Save a Life Rated PG-13?

While this film contains mature topics, its intended purpose is to explore the cause and consequences of serious issues like suicide, sexuality and bullying. Violence includes the depiction of a teen male bringing a gun to school, firing shots into the hallway ceiling and then putting the gun to his head and pulling the trigger (the fatal gunshot is heard but not seen). Another teen male is shown "cutting" himself on his arm, and a teen female admits to doing so in her past. A young boy is hit by a vehicle and is shown lying injured on the pavement. Physical scuffles between teen males (a punch is thrown) along with verbal bullying and taunting are portrayed. A teen couple at a party, inebriated from alcohol, goes into a bedroom and begins pre-sexual activities (the scene cuts to the next morning when the boy asks if they can "do that again"). A teen discovers she is pregnant and considers an abortion—discussions about other alternatives are included. A married man admits to having an affair. Teen girls wear revealing attire and males are seen topless. Alcohol is frequently consumed by teens, and in one scene they play a drinking game where participants become dangerously intoxicated. While not discussed, it’s implied that many teens drive home after these parties. Teens are seen smoking marijuana on school property. Profanities are relatively infrequent, but do include a couple of scatological terms, about a dozen mild expletives, and a crude term for sex.