I have never been to Lakewood but I’m familiar with troubled teens. I live in a Dati Leumi yishuv in Israel and we have such issues on a larger scale. Boys that age need an outlet both creative and physical. It could be playing (not watching) sports, music, carpentry, working with animals, etc.. Sadly, too many parents, teachers and Rabbonim view all this as bitul zman. Here in Israel we have special Yeshivot, including some in the Haredi communities, that include extra activities that cater to a boys’ talents and interests. And of course, as they mature we have Pre Army Mechinot, Hesder Yeshivot and then Tzahal. By the way, the army (while still not perfect) is much more accommodating to Torah observant boys. The Jewish people need all kinds not just experts in shas.
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