Aberdeen schoolgirl pens song against bullying

A Scottish schoolgirl has penned a song on a topic which affects more than 40 per cent of young people in Scotland.

Olivia wants to help other schoolchildren who are being bullied.

Olivia Douglas wrote the music and lyrics to ‘Why’ to explain the impact bullying has on the lives of children and to encourage those who have been bullied to be strong.

The 11-year-old from Aberdeen has uploaded a video of her singing the beautiful tune to YouTube to coincide with National Anti-Bullying Week.

Olivia said: “Bullying is horrible and it is really sad to think how it makes people feel. It is an important issue for children. I wanted to write a song that explains what it does to people and how it’s important for those who have been bullied to be brave and know they can get through it.”

The Albyn School pupil is a keen performer and has ambitions to be a singer and actress.

She has taken to the stage at His Majesty’s Theatre in Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat and Annie. She is also a member of Stagecoach and The Aberdeen Youth Music and Theatre.

Olivia’s mother Cristina Douglas said: “We are incredibly proud of Olivia. This is a beautiful song that she has been entirely responsible for and it’s incredibly emotive for such a young girl. Listening to the lyrics really helps us as adults understand bullying from a child’s perspective and why it is vital we are aware and can be there to offer our love, support and guidance.”

Olivia hopes to be able to sell downloads of the track and the proceeds to an anti-bullying charity.

Olivia added: “I think it’s important children aren’t scared to speak out about bullying and I hope my song can mean something to people going through it.”