To makesher,
I don’t think we are necessary losing a lot of kids to “the outside world”. I think, if children aren’t happy they will turn to thrill seeking. The question is “why”. I feel some children aren’t having good experiences in their yeshivas. We all know about recent cases of molestations that are coming to light. With a lot yeshivas in denial, the child or teenager feels this is hypocritical- therefore their acts of rebellion. It used to be that Rosh Hayeshivos were against the psychological field, but that has changed recently. Even so, they aren’t getting the students enough mental help. Including in this is smoking. I am hoping the day will come that Yeshivos and even Yeshivos Gedolos will hire school psychologists and seeking help won’t be taboo anymore. And no, I’m not a mental health professional.