Answer:
If your younger sibling is facing bullying at boarding school, here are some pieces of advice you can give them to handle the situation:
1. **Stay Calm and Confident**: Encourage your sibling to stay calm and not show fear or anger in front of the bullies. Bullies often look for reactions, so maintaining composure can sometimes defuse the situation.
2. **Ignore and Walk Away**: Suggest that your sibling ignore the bullies as much as possible and walk away from the situation if it's safe to do so. Bullies thrive on attention, and depriving them of it can sometimes make them lose interest.
3. **Stay with Friends**: Advise your sibling to stick close to their friends or peers, as there is safety in numbers. Bullies are less likely to target someone who is surrounded by others.
4. **Assertiveness**: Teach your sibling to assertively but calmly tell the bully to stop bothering them. Phrases like "Please leave me alone" said firmly can sometimes deter bullies.
5. **Report to Teachers or Authorities**: Encourage your sibling to report incidents of bullying to a trusted teacher, counselor, or any other authority figure in the school. They can provide support and take appropriate action to address the issue.
6. **Keep Evidence**: If possible, advise your sibling to keep a record of incidents of bullying, including dates, times, and details of what happened. This documentation can be useful when reporting the bullying.
7. **Build Confidence**: Help your sibling build their self-confidence through activities they enjoy and excel in. Confidence can make them less of a target for bullies.
8. **Seek Support**: Let your sibling know that it's okay to seek support from you, other family members, or friends. Having a support network can provide emotional strength during tough times.
9. **Stay Positive**: Encourage your sibling to focus on positive aspects of their life and not let the bullying define them. Engaging in hobbies or activities they love can help maintain a positive mindset.
10. **Know When to Get Help**: If the bullying escalates or becomes physical, emphasize the importance of seeking immediate help from adults or authorities. Safety should always be the priority.
Lastly, reassure your sibling that they are not alone in dealing with bullying and that there are people who care about their well-being and are ready to help.
