DD started Yr 7 this year. She's been put in a class with a girl she specifically requested not to be put with, this other girl requested specifically to go with DD. There were ongoing issues throughout primary with this girl trying to isolate her from the rest of her classmates and it's continuing. Things like if DD won't do what she wants she goes to the others (including the boys) and says "DD's in a bad mood, she must be on her period." Or makes up stuff about her fancying one of the boys and telling them. DD is quite upset, especially at the thought of her classmates discussing whether or not she has her period. Then there are the messages apologising, then saying it's not her fault it's because she has a lot going on, that DD should stop being offended over nothing, it was just a joke etc etc.
DD has now blocked her, although I think she'll still get messages on the class what's app chat? Can this girl see that DD has blocked her or do any messages she sends look like they're sent but go into a black hole in the ether?
DD is quite worried about going back to school (half term here) and how to deal with the girl gossiping about her to other classmates etc.
I've told DD to ignore her - is this the best plan of action? I've spoken to the teacher, she's going to shuffle around the class seating plan and talk to all of DD's teachers and make sure they aren't paired up or together in a group for the next few months or so. What other advice can I give her?