Increasing numbers of children in the UK are skipping school, with a study revealing that over 142,000 students missed half or more of their lessons last year. Contributing factors include the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted education and led to ingrained habits of staying home, as well as rising mental health issues among youth. A separate survey indicated that British 15-year-old girls reported the steepest decline in happiness across Europe. In the U.S., parents driving their kids to school has become more common, causing significant traffic congestion and pollution, especially at schools like Mast Community Charter School. The trend reflects broader societal changes, including school-choice policies that increase distances to schools, while local solutions such as safer walking routes and carpooling are being discussed. Efforts to address these transportation issues are critical to fostering community and reducing health risks associated with increased car use.