Selena Gomez says people often forget she's just a "kid".

The American singer-and-actress began her career at the age of seven on Barney & Friends. She has since ventured into feature films and the music industry.

Selena, 19, insists there is a lot of pressure on young people in showbusiness, including friend and fellow star Demi Lovato who was recently hospitalised for exhaustion.

"Other 18-year-olds are dealing with college and getting into school and figuring out who they are and that's really stressful. But we have a different kind of pressure. A lot of pressure," she admitted in an interview with the British edition of OK! magazine.

"People say things that hurt our feelings and affect us they don't realise what they say, and ultimately at the end of the day we are kids."

Selena is conflicted about whether she is still a child or entering adulthood. The star insists she'll always remain young at heart.

"I feel like even when I am 40, I'm going to want to feel like a little kid at heart, but I do feel at the same time I am growing up," she confessed.

Away from the pressures of fame, Selena is enjoying a romance with Canadian superstar Justin Bieber.

The brunette beauty values the 18-year-old's sense of humour and generosity.

"When you laugh so hard your stomach hurts!" she replied with asked what the best thing about being in love is.

"I'm very simple. Just kindness. That sounds cheesy, but it's true. As long as someone is really kind and kind to other people, that's all that matters."