Student-directed learning was someone's bright idea a few years ago.  It has not been notably successful.  The problem is time: while we allow them to make all those bad choices, they are growing into adults who still may not know the right choice to make.  Students need rules and guidance, even when they don't seem to want them, and they want information about the consequences before making decisions.  Years ago, my Poli-Sci professor told the class that rules and laws are sometimes an excuse for a person to do right thing.