Parents start teen music program to promote self-esteem

By Staff Writer

Two parents from Needham, Massachusetts founded Plugged In, which is a teen music program designed to promote self-esteem. The Christian Science Monitor reports that over the past nine years, the program has affected the lives of about 400 teenagers.

Sandra Rizkallah and her husband, Tom Pugh would often overhear their children talking with friends about starting a rock band.

"Kids may not have enough confidence, not know enough people, or may not have a place to rehearse," Rizkallah told the news source.

The parents then decided to start a nonprofit music program for teens. Now, three times a year, the students – 95 of them in 28 bands – pick a cause to support. At a town hall-type meeting, they propose causes and vote on which charity they want to help. It all culminates in a benefit concert at the end of each session.

"Many teens come to us struggling with low self-esteem," Rizkallah says. "Through connecting with other young musicians in Plugged In, they learn they can help others through their love of music. They gain confidence, compassion, a social conscience – and hope."

According to a study conducted by Girl Scouts USA, the more physically active teens are, the greater their self-esteem and the more satisfied they are with their weight, regardless of how much they weigh.