I was in Chicago, first grade, Mrs. Walsch, same lighting, same plaster, same hardwood floors, taking a spelling test. Yup, no safe places. Heck, there were no crossing guards on Ashland (four lane main artery). I was told to only cross when the light was green and after I looked both ways. I was told I would die if I didn’t follow the rules. I did’t now what “die” meant other than it was not a good thing.
From first grade on in the early 60s I walked home from school by myself - 3 miles. Nowadays kids as old as sixth grade aren’t left without adult supervision. No independence