Exactly. Kids are getting more and more adult obligations heaped on them, but no more privileges or freedoms. An adult in a stressful job can quit if it wrecks their health. A child who tries to bail out of a health-wrecking school will be dragged back in chains. Of course they're getting sick: it's the only rest they're allowed anymore.
There is an out, for those as can. Homeschooling. I know several kids who thrive(d) on it. Oddly, it seems to be a middle class thing; poor folk can't afford, and rich folk just send'em to boarding school... but frankly, I think the individual attention and tailoring can make for a superior experience for those as would be bored in public prison-lite.
Like I said, not everyone can, which sucks ass, but we need all the good kids we *can* get... I highly recommend it where it's feasible.
Re: Stressed middle schoolers
There is an out, for those as can. Homeschooling. I know several kids who thrive(d) on it. Oddly, it seems to be a middle class thing; poor folk can't afford, and rich folk just send'em to boarding school... but frankly, I think the individual attention and tailoring can make for a superior experience for those as would be bored in public prison-lite.
Like I said, not everyone can, which sucks ass, but we need all the good kids we *can* get... I highly recommend it where it's feasible.