Television Reviews : Lively ‘Soapbox’ Airs Teen-Agers’ Concerns on KCET

Another talk show hits the small screen as KCET Channel 28 premieres the 13-part “Soapbox” Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Its host is a master of skepticism--raised eyebrows, hands pressed to face, rolling eyes and an occasional, explosive, “That’s baloney!” when a guest strains his credibility (as happens frequently).

Don’t tune out. There’s more than an act going on here.

The host who purposefully loses his cool is Tom Cottle, a clinical psychologist. The show is a forum for teen concerns, and the lively interplay between Cottle and his teen guests makes for a frank and revealing half hour.

Parents may find the revelations uncomfortable. The first segment, called “Let’s Party!,” points out the routine drug and alcohol use of as many as 60% of high school students. Several teen-agers interviewed on film and the seven studio guests--all attractive and articulate--talk with chilling familiarity about getting high.

“All drugs are OK if you do them in moderation,” says one. “Abuse can hurt you. Use is different,” says another.

When Cottle asks how they started, most say it was curiosity. All but one boy, who says he never used drugs, see nothing wrong with it. “Oh, come on!” Cottle says to one girl who seems to be comparing the addictive nature of cocaine to that of ice cream.

But Cottle doesn’t belabor the role as adversary. He makes a few points, eliciting sheepish grins as they strike home, then pulls back, asking for more information. The guests, intent on getting their own side across, are not intimidated.

In the second show, “S-E-X,” airing next week, a new group of teens say the double-standard still exists: While boys are pressured by peers to have sex to prove their manhood, they often label girls who accommodate them as “sluts.”

They know about AIDS and other risks, but are too embarrassed to buy contraceptives.

Again, the conversation grows lively.

This show is part of a growing trend aimed at exploring issues of concern to young people. What makes it exceptional is Cottle’s gift for steering his young guests--and his viewers--away from cliches and stereotypes.