The work culture isn't putting kids in front of computer screens and discouraging outdoor activities.
It's not even something you can control as a parent. My kid, 16 years old, walks to school on his own - but he's always back right after classes. And it's not that he's an outcast. That's just how they roll in the SF Bay Area. Other kids go home too, or they are shuttled by their parents to some organized after-school activities.
In LA county it seems super common to see teens going out on their own. Not sure whats different up north. I think most students get free metro passes. Its super common to see teenagers riding the trains or busses, if I’d guess on account of the cost of insurance here for young drivers.
It's not even something you can control as a parent. My kid, 16 years old, walks to school on his own - but he's always back right after classes. And it's not that he's an outcast. That's just how they roll in the SF Bay Area. Other kids go home too, or they are shuttled by their parents to some organized after-school activities.