A friendship is a two way relationship, jus like any other relationship. Both sides need to get something out of it.
Can anyone please tell me the benefit that the son will have out of this relationship?
(BTW, my son’s best friend went OTD, and yes, I was advised by Gedolim to discoursge my son from having anything to do with him. And boy am I happy that I listened. Other kids that said, “No, we have to be nice to him” are now right there with him, while my son K”H is shteiging away.)