Inspectors visiting the Leicestershire YOI found that although the inmates had a reasonable amount of time out of their cell, the quantity and quality of activities was limited.
A quarter did not take part in any work at all and what was available was mundane and offered little scope to gain qualifications.
Other criticisms from inspectors, who visited last November, included a lack of support for inmates on their first night to allay high levels of fear and anxiety.
High use of force was also called into question as was the "dilapidated and overcrowded accommodation". Prisoners from abroad also needed better support, inspectors added.
Despite the concerns, inspectors praised efforts by staff to tackle violence and bullying as well as support offered to prisoners with alcohol addiction.
Dame Anne Owers, chief inspector of prisons, said: "The establishment lacks sufficient good-quality purposeful activity to keep young prisoners properly occupied and achieving skills that can equip them for a constructive life on release."
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