I think your first line nails it - there is no alternative, so we just keep on with the same terrible idea.

The alternative _should_ be that we put you to work doing something you are interested in. I have 3 children and all of them were capable of working in their field of interest at around 13. But they will spend another 5 years in school waiting, and then maybe another 4 in university buying access.

It's just....really, really broken and that's obvious to children. The adults know it too, but it's easier to look away.