I am only 26 and my how times have changed! When I was growing up in suburban Austin, I road the 2 miles to school. It was a liberating feeling, even for an elementary schooler. I started at 9 years old and continued until I finished elementary. No helmet, never worried about flats, never worried about the chain. Weirdly, I have so much trouble getting a chain on now but I could do it when I had my old 10 speed!

I think a cell phone is a good bet. I am personally annoyed as all get out with these tweens texting and talking on their cells but I see the use. A Tracphone or something similar would be great.