You see them everywhere nowadays. And it is more obvious during the holiday seasons. Boys in their early teens wandering around aimlessly with nowhere to go, and not much to do either. At a time when we are witnessing an explosive population growth, our state planners have given little thought to the effective harnessing of this youthful energy.

While our municipalities are seemingly obsessed with constructing elaborate roundabouts and sterile statues, there is a woeful scarcity of parks, recreation centers, libraries, or venues for sports where these kids could release that pent-up energy effectively.

Outings are largely limited to families, and boys being boys at that age would rather hang around with their peers than tag along with Mommy and Daddy. And if they do go out with their friends, they are barred from entry to a lot of places. I have personally witnessed 12 and 13-year old boys, barely into puberty, denied entry at shopping malls and amusement parks. They are usually met with a hostile stare at most places, as if they are social pariahs.

As a result, they take to wandering on the streets, frequenting parking lots, or tagging along with older boys, a sure sign that they are heading into trouble. And trouble is what a lot of these boys get into nowadays. Young and fertile minds can easily be manipulated into doing wrong things. And once they are set on the wrong path, it is difficult to straighten them out.

Sure, they can stay home and watch TV or play computer games. And in effect become obese video zombies. But is that all the stimulation we want for these kids? Where are the soccer fields, the tennis, handball or basketball courts or libraries where they could turn to? Even the beaches, or the few pitiful strips left for the general public to enjoy, are denied access to these boys.

Our planners are obviously in a time warp. Be it the Ministry of Education, or Planning, or the various municipalities, little thought has been seriously given by them into making growing-up an enriching experience for these kids.

And so I turn to the private sector. Multinational companies such as McDonalds, LG Electronics, Toyota, Proctor & Gamble, or Philip Morris —each with a large market presence here — should take the bull by the horns and consider investing in the youth of today.

Sponsor recreation facilities in the various neighborhoods, sports clubs for the young, libraries filled with stimulating material; beach outings and cultural events for this age group — and watch your brand recognition appreciate and skyrocket. It would be a small price to pay, and the returns would be of immense magnitude. And those teens will be dearly indebted to you.

And, of course, advertise all you want at these facilities that you have built and paid for. And forget your city planners. After all, they are just bureaucrats.