Meir Oster Answers Common Questions About Supporting Teens Online and Offline

Social worker Meir Oster of Monsey, New York, shares practical guidance for parents, teens, and caregivers navigating modern social challenges.
New York, US, 22nd January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Meir Oster, an MSW and community-based social worker, spends his time focused on one core mission: helping people. In recent years, much of his work has centered on teens and the growing impact of online behaviour, especially cyberbullying. Below, Oster answers common questions he hears from families, educators, and young people themselves.

Q: What is cyberbullying, and why is it such a serious issue right now?

"Cyberbullying happens when harm follows a teen home through their phone," Oster says. "There's no break from it."
According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 teens report being bullied online, and those experiences are linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression.

Q: How does cyberbullying affect teens differently from in-person bullying?

"Online attacks feel permanent," Oster explains. "Screenshots last, messages spread, and teens feel exposed."
Research shows that teens who experience cyberbullying are over twice as likely to report emotional distress compared to peers who do not.

Q: What signs should parents or caregivers look for?

"Withdrawal is a big one," Oster says. "Mood changes, avoiding school, or sudden silence online."
Studies indicate that over 60% of bullied teens do not initially tell an adult, making observation and conversation critical.

Q: What should a teen do first if they are being bullied online?

"Pause and don't respond emotionally," Oster advises. "Save evidence and tell a trusted adult."
Blocking and reporting harmful behaviour can reduce repeat incidents by up to 40%, according to platform safety data.

Q: How can parents talk to teens about online behaviour without shutting them down?

"Ask, don't accuse," Oster says. "Curiosity builds trust."
Teens who feel supported at home are 50% more likely to seek help early, reducing long-term harm.

Q: Can schools or communities really make a difference?

"Yes," Oster says simply. "Clear policies and follow-through matter."
Schools with defined anti-bullying programmes report significantly lower repeat incidents year over year.

Q: What role does social work play in prevention and recovery?

"Social work creates space to talk, reflect, and rebuild confidence," Oster explains. "It's about helping people feel seen."
Early support has been shown to lower long-term mental health risks by nearly 30% for affected teens.

If you do nothing else

If you take only a few steps, start here:

Ask teens how they feel online, not just what they post
Normalize asking for help early
Keep communication open and judgment-free
Save evidence of harmful messages
Use blocking and reporting tools
Encourage offline support and balance
Reach out to a qualified professional when needed

Call to Action
If this Q&A helped clarify even one concern, share it with a parent, educator, or teen who could benefit. Awareness is often the first step toward prevention.

About Meir Oster
Meir Oster is a Master of Social Work (MSW) based in Monsey, New York. His work focuses on helping people navigate personal and social challenges, with particular attention to teen wellbeing and online safety. Through practical guidance and community support, he works to create safer, healthier environments for young people and families.

This release was published on openPR.