Cheers to cities pedestrianizing school streets even in busy capitals (e.g. Paris). Cars have no place near school entrances. Fix your urbanism and public transportation.

Yes, kids in developed countries have the autonomy to go to school by themselves from a very young age, provided the correct mindset and a safe environment. That's a combination of:

* high-trust society: commuting alone or in a small group is the norm, soccer moms a rare exception,

* safe, separated lanes for biking/walking when that's an option.