BP totty:
I do not intend to minimize your concerns regarding the dangers inherent in the Israel year, particularly among the yeshivos which attract kids directly from high high school.
I have 2 points.
A. I went to yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel. I know many people who did. Largely, the people involved are not acting in a way which deserves any censure, while there or upon their return.
Particularly, if your comment is aimed at those who go several years after high school, the vast majority are being extremely productive. While it is true that there is often little oversight, it has not been shown to be a large problem.
That was the intention of my comment, “do you know these people?”. What I meant to say is that despite the risks, the facts show that it is a good idea.
B. I would actually argue that the lack of oversight is what allows the kids to grow. Again discussing the immediate post high school yeshivos, they have tremendous success turning kids into responsible adults with a new found appreciation for Torah and Judaism.