University of Wisconsin - Extension

Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) debuts a compelling program where middle school boys talk candidly about what¿s going on in their world. Co-produced with Northeastern Wisconsin In-School Telecommunications (NEWIST/CESA #7), What¿s Up With Middle School Guys? goes beyond conventional stereotypes of boys as they navigate through puberty. It will air at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 20.

Drawn from interviews done with boys of different backgrounds throughout Wisconsin, this documentary highlights their thoughts on girls, family, school, drugs, divorce, puberty, violence, alcohol and what they see for the future.

Directly following What¿s Up with Middle School Guys? will be the first Teen Connection of the season at 8 p.m. Thursday, September 20. New host, Reggie Aqui, and a live panel of teenage boys will be given a chance to talk about what¿s going on in their lives and allow comments to come in from around the state. To participate in this discussion, call toll free 1-877-674-8228 during the program.

Recent studies show that boys are twice as likely as girls to be labeled as ¿learning disabled.¿ Moreover, boys reported how it is not ¿cool¿ to be too smart in class, for it could lead to being labeled a nerd, dork, or wimp. ¿I think some boys, when they¿re in class, they don¿t try as hard as they can¿they don¿t want to raise their hand because they don¿t know what everybody else¿ll say or think,¿ says Sylvester, who appears in the program.

Many adolescent boys have a difficult time expressing their emotions. ¿Teen boys aren¿t really allowed to talk about their feelings for fear of stature with their friends,¿ commented Richard. ¿I think they¿re taught just to keep their feelings inside and try to deal with those feelings themselves. But I think that puts a lot of inner rage in teens, and that¿s why they resort to violence, drugs or suicide.¿

Not all is doom and gloom. The boys also reveal their hopes for the future. John, also in the program, comments ¿When I look at myself, I see a person that really has experienced things, but has a lot more to learn and I am eager to learn more.¿

Teen Connection originates from WPT¿s studios in Green Bay. Both programs are co-produced by WPT and Northeastern Wisconsin In-School Telecommunications (NEWIST/CESA #7). Toll-free service is provided by McLeod USA. Reggie Aqui appears courtesy of WLUK-TV/Fox 11 in Green Bay.

WPT is a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/Madison, WPNE-TV/Green Bay, WHRM-TV/Wausau, WLEF-TV/Park Falls, WHLA-TV/La Crosse and WHWC-TV/Menomonie-Eau Claire.