New MTV show attempts help students break through school stereotypes and reduce bullying

New MTV show attempts to tackle school stereotypes

NEW YORK — A new show on MTV attempts to help students look past school stereotypes.

Each episode of “If You Really Knew Me” focuses on a different school, where students go through a program called Challenge Day. They share their experiences with each other in exercises designed to cut down on bullying and gossiping.

The cameras follow five students before, during and after the program.

One student who was filmed, Leiken (LIK’ in) Poppino, says the experience “changed people for the better.”

Poppino says her school, Freedom High School in Oakley, Calif., had a “miraculous change” for about a week after Challenge Day last year. After that, students who took part worked to keep the momentum going.

“If You Really Knew Me” airs Tuesdays at 11 p.m. Eastern.

Online:

www.challengeday.org/mtv/