Putting a stop to bullying; Folk singer's nonprofit for kids is in more demand than ever.

Byline: MIRIAM KREININ SOUCCAR

AROUND 160,000 children in America stay home from school each day because they are afraid they will be bullied. Peter Yarrow, of the legendary folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, has made it his life's mission to help these kids. The 72-year-old singer--who still performs with Paul Stookey (Mary Travers passed away in 2009)--started the nonprofit Operation Respect 12 years ago to work with schools and other youth organizations to teach empathy among children.

Now that bullying has started to make headlines, Mr. Yarrow's Manhattan-based organization is in more demand than ever. The program is in 22,000 schools in all 50 states and is expanding internationally with new programs in Israel and Hong Kong.

Why did you found Operation Respect?

It's the legacy of all the work I did with Peter, Paul and Mary with the women's movement and the civil rights movement. I came to the conclusion 12 years ago that it's very hard to change the hearts of adults. So we need to work with children before they buy into the whole idea of hating or fearing others.

How does your program work?

My school program doesn't shut down a school with metal detectors, it treats everybody with humanity and creates an environment where bullying will not occur. There are over 50 songs educators can download on our website, like "Don't Laugh at Me." Singing the songs together creates a bond with the kids. Once you create that kind of community, you're in a position to roll out the learning exercises that sensitize kids.

Do you think bullying is finally getting the attention it deserves?

It's finally getting more attention, but I also think it's escalated. It's not just a kids' problem now. We are becoming a more violent, greedy, belligerent society. If members of Congress are treating each other horrifically, if college-age gays and lesbians are being hounded and committing suicide, how are young people going to interpret that in their tender years?

Is the Internet making bullying worse?

It's not making it worse. It's just a vehicle. But the technique of cyber bullying is problematic because the emotional violence can be done anonymously.

Is demand for your program growing?

We aren't able to keep up with it. They want us to go to Korea; we're going to Turkey. We have to expand our capacity now.

What can parents do to protect their children against bullying?

Make sure children are in a classroom that has strategies employed to create a caring environment. Parents have to be proactive. They cannot wait for the violence to occur.

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