If a kid has a part-time job, and arranges his classes senior year so he can work, then sure. He or she is demonstrating work ethic, and responsibility. But just let everyone leave willy-nilly on lunch for 45 minutes, speeding on the roads and otherwise being reckless, then no. There's absolutely no reason for that kind of nonsense. There's food in the cafeteria, or you can bring your own.

Don't you see, what was once not allowed, or a rare exception, has become expected? This is a line that was crossed long ago, giving children opportunity for recklessness, when they are generally not mature enough to handle it. People assume children are "little adults." This couldn't be further from the truth. They lack key measures of judgment, and maturity.

"Truancy" means rules are broken. I said nothing about that. I expect rules to be followed, especially by children at school. None of the children who died were truant. I don't understand why that word became part of this discussion.