Higher leaving age is a flight from reality.

The article discusses a Canadian solution to having under-skilled and immature 16 year-olds roaming the streets. In Ontario, Canada, children are compelled to remain in school until 18, and that solution is being adopted by England. Advocates point out that drop-outs are more likely to engage in risky behaviors with consequences from unwanted pregnancies, to drug abuse and prison. The author goes on to demonstrate that the policy has proven misguided failure in Canada.