here's ron clayborn. >> instead of making fun of my eyes, my hair -- >> nobody noticed me. embarrassed. >> reporter: bullying affects 13 million kids across america, and each day, 160,000 students stay home from school because they are afraid of being picked on. >> i was bullied for eight years of my life. >> reporter: asia, a 21-year-old college sophomore and author is trying to change all of that. her journey began last year after her book "survival guide to bullying" was picked up by up as me for halloween went viral. >> you can just speak up. >> reporter: for the fifth graders at new york's public school 135, the message is hitting home. >> we stand up to bullying! >> reporter: especially after this special surprise from a pop star behind scars to your beautiful. the anthem for disney's choose kindness campaign, abc news' >> i thank you all for helping end bullying forever. love ourselves more than how we look and dress, but rather who we are, and thank you guys for being so amazing at doing that. so proud of all of you. >> makes me feel better that i believe in myself.