"If You Really Knew Me" Attacks Peer Pressure One High School at a Time

Students at Freedom High. (MTV)

NEW YORK (CBS) Brand new MTV series "If You Really Knew Me" offers a intimate and powerful portrayal of a high school campus dealing with the familiar teenage world of cliques.

The MTV series is filmed in coordination with Challenge Day, a social program in which trained leaders visit high schools and, in one day, try to break down the emotional barriers and social "boxes" that keep students from getting to know one another.

The show hopes to make a shift in the pattern of teenage social interactions and communication. The aptly-named Freedom High School in Oakley, Calif., was one stop along the way.

It's sort of like "group therapy" for teenagers.

"I've heard everyone always cries," one girl said before a session, then later, everyone around her did just that as the high school girl opened up with heartfelt feelings about acceptance and prejudice. Gay or straight, middle class or not, black, Asian, Latino or any other ethnic group - the show tries to challenge labels and let down people's defenses.

The show brings intimacy and an I'm-in-your-same-shoes approach to the subject of high school peer pressure. The producers make a concerted effort to focus on individual experiences of actual high schoolers and not revolve around a script or dismiss the concerns the kids have. And that should be applauded.

[rawrXimXaXhannah]

ik that if you really knew me doesnt go to middle schools..but lynnhaven middle really needs it. i have an extreamly troubled life. i go to school get called a lesbian and emo and other nasty names. alot, alot, of my friend get it to. and its just not fair. and then i get home and im yelled at till i finaly cry my self to sleep. i have other friends that..are forced to do the same..and now CPS has teken me away from my home and im forced to life..were i dont want to..and ill i get here is yelled at even more then b4. its hard having no were to escape to. becuz when i go to school..i get the same as i do at home pritty much. think about it? message me if u wanna know more on facebook. Hannah Curve Goeskookookachu. thanks!

[braveheart2009]

my 16 yr old son watches this and ive started watching it with him..its a very educational show that more families need to watch with their kids.. you never really know what your child may be going through. i think that every school should have this group attend their highschool. Kids these days have so much peer pressure, bullying, family issues, school issues, self issues,how they are unsure and overwhelmed etc.. this series has been an eye opener for both my sons 21 and 16. but also for myself. finally a show that is real and addresses issues and offers support for our kids our future and their futures.

[BrItTaNy_NiChOlE]

i would like it if we had if you really knew me at my school whitch is phs prtsmouth high school

[bevmrz]

Here is South Florida there is a High School, Deerfield High School, where in the last year there were two violent incidents that took place, a young boy had alcohol thrown on him and lit a fire and another young girl was kicked & beaten so badly it has left her with brain damage. All because of peer pressure and bullying, texting hurtful things and someone saying no. I think this program needs to contact Deerfield Beach High School, in Broward County Florida and take the program there. I was so moved by this program, I feel MTV disserves an award. Atleast someone in this crazy world is focusing on our teenagers. Help is need in Deerfield Beach High School!

[wuzup28681]

That show really touched me especially when Rob was talking about his homosexuallity and also when Travis was talking about how he don't really like football. Also when that one girl was talking about how her family has seperated ever since they got that big house, and dont let me forget about P-nut I really do feel kinda sorry for all the things he's seen and been through.