Hailee Steinfeld had to leave school after being bullied.

The 16-year-old actress - who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in 'True Grit' at the age of just 14 - admitted she had to leave her middle school in Thousand Oaks, California in 2008, after being subjected to abuse by her classmates.

She told America's Glamour magazine: ''Bullying is something I went through, from third to sixth grade, when I got pulled out [of school]. I still go through it.''

Hailee now works with The Trevor Project to mentor LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] teenagers who are considering suicide and is passionate about helping them.

She said: ''If I can be the person who says, 'Trust me when I tell you it will be OK,' then I will be that person.''

''Often bullies are taking something [personal] out on others. If they use that energy to make someone smile, we can save so many people in the long run.''

While Hailee's career is blossoming, the actress admitted she often gets homsick.

She explained: ''I'm away from home for six weeks at a time, sometimes more, and it's tough when I miss my dad. But he always says to me, 'Are you having a good time?' And I really am. That's why I'm here.''