I'm sorry to hear that your pre-teen sister is going through a difficult time with bullying. As her adult brother, there are several things you can do to support and help her:
Listen and empathize: Make sure you provide a safe and non-judgmental space for your sister to express her feelings and experiences. Let her know that you believe her and that you're there to support her.
Talk to her about the situation: Ask your sister about the specifics of the bullying incidents, who is involved, where it's happening, and how it's affecting her. Understanding the details will help you address the issue more effectively.
Talk to your parents or guardians: Inform your parents or guardians about the bullying. They have a primary role in handling such situations, and they may need to communicate with the school and other relevant authorities.
Approach the school: While you mentioned that the school hasn't been able to do anything so far, it's still essential to formally report the bullying incidents. Request a meeting with the school principal or counselor to discuss the issue in detail. Sometimes, persistence can lead to action being taken.
Document the incidents: Encourage your sister to keep a record of the bullying incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what happened. This documentation can be helpful if the situation escalates or if you need to involve other authorities.
Support her emotionally: Reassure your sister that she's not alone and that you're there for her. Offer words of encouragement and help boost her self-esteem.
Encourage her to seek help: If the bullying is affecting her emotionally or mentally, suggest talking to a school counselor or a mental health professional who can provide additional support.
Teach coping strategies: Help your sister develop coping mechanisms for dealing with bullying. Encourage her to walk away from confrontations, ignore hurtful comments, and find activities that make her feel more confident and happy.
Promote self-defense and assertiveness training: If your sister is interested and it's suitable for her age, enrolling her in self-defense or assertiveness training classes can help build her confidence and empower her.
Involve other supportive adults: If you have other family members or close friends who can help, inform them about the situation and seek their support in offering guidance to your sister.
Remember, it's essential to address the bullying issue proactively and not confront the bully directly yourself. Confrontation might escalate the situation or lead to unintended consequences.
If the bullying continues despite your efforts, consider seeking legal advice or contacting local authorities for further assistance. Bullying is a serious issue that should not be ignored, and every effort should be made to ensure the safety and well-being of your sister.