Teen star Demi Lovato was so badly bullied at school, her parents decided she should be home-tutored instead.

The 16-year-old admits she endured years of teasing from her peers, and puts it down to the fact that she was working as an actress from a young age.

She tells U.S. talkshow host Ellen DeGeneres, "I never really understood why (I was being bullied) until looking back, I had a different lifestyle than everyone else."

And the actress insists that she wants to tell her story to aid other youngsters in dealing with the pressures of school life.

She adds, "I want to help with bullying. Because there are girls who can't just up and home-school and focus on their career."

Lovato has also faced more bullying in the last few months - she recently revealed she has been the target of hate mail by jealous female fans obsessed with her Disney co-stars The Jonas Brothers.

Lovato was rumoured to be dating Joe Jonas, her co-star in new Disney music Camp Rock - claims they have both denied.