11 ‘Normal’ Things ’80s Kids Did That Are Now Banned
The 1980s were a time when childhood felt a little freer, perhaps a little riskier, but undeniably unique. Back then, kids did things that would seem unthinkable today, having been shaped by a world with fewer safety regulations and less oversight. Some of these activities have now even been banned or are heavily discouraged. Let’s discuss some of them below.
Leaving School for Lunch
Credit: iStockphoto
A group of middle schoolers heading to the local burger joint or corner store during their lunch break was a common sight back in the day. There were no hall passes, no chaperones—just a simple “be back on time.” Open-campus lunch policies are largely a thing of the past today as most schools keep their campuses locked down during the day, citing safety and liability concerns.
Getting Candy as a Reward
Credit: pexels
In classrooms across America, candy was currency. Finish your homework early? Here’s a lollipop. Answer a tough question? Grab a Hershey’s Kiss from the jar. While it seemed harmless, this practice started to fade as schools prioritized healthier habits. These days, incentives lean toward stickers, extra credit, or a few minutes of free time.
Climbing Trees
Credit: pexels
Climbing a tree was the go-to test for bravery, balance, and imagination. With a little creativity, you could transform a sturdy oak into a pirate ship or a castle tower. But scraped knees and the occasional broken arm led many schools and parks to ban tree climbing altogether. Eventually, liability concerns won out, leaving today’s kids with playground equipment designed to minimize risk.
Playing Tetherball
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Tetherball was the playground’s ultimate showdown for reflexes, speed, and strategy. The clanging chain and the sound of a ball hitting the pole are etched into many childhood memories. But tetherball has largely disappeared due to being deemed too rough for modern playgrounds. Recess games are more structured now.
Walking to and from School Alone
Credit: flickr
Back in the ’80s, kids as young as six walked to school on their own or in small groups. Neighborhoods were considered safe, and children were trusted to navigate crosswalks and shortcuts on their own. With recent state and local guidelines recommendations that younger children be accompanied by an adult, school districts now emphasize organized bus routes and drop-off zones.
Bringing a Swiss Army Knife to School
Credit: flickr
We remember the days when a Swiss Army knife wasn’t considered a weapon but a toy. Boys (and sometimes girls) proudly carried them and used them to sharpen pencils or cut string in art class. Various schools now have zero-tolerance policies that ban tools that could double as weapons.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Credit: flickr
If there was a universal school lunch in the ’80s, it was the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It was affordable, easy to pack, and universally loved. However, the rise in life-threatening peanut allergies has transformed school policies. Many institutions now designate nut-free zones or implement outright bans on peanut products to protect students from accidental exposure.
Buying Soda from Cafeteria Vending Machines
Credit: flickr
School cafeterias once featured vending machines stocked with soda that offered students a sugary pick-me-up during the day. With the implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, soda has been replaced by healthier options like water and juice in many schools–and perhaps it’s for the better.
Bringing Cupcakes for Birthdays
Credit: pexels
Birthday celebrations in classrooms often involved sharing homemade cupcakes or cookies with classmates. While it did foster friendships and community spirit, increasing concerns about allergens and equity, have led many districts to discourage or ban edible birthday treats altogether. Instead, celebrations now often focus on non-food activities or small tokens.
Teenagers Driving School Buses
Credit: flickr
This might sound bizarre today, but in rural areas, it wasn’t uncommon for high school students to drive school buses. These teens were trusted with immense responsibility to transport younger kids safely along familiar routes. They knew the routes and passengers well, so it only made sense. However, stricter Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines now require extensive training and certification to make sure only professional drivers are behind the wheel.
Getting Signed Out of School by a Friend’s Parent
Credit: iStockphoto
In the past, a simple note or verbal agreement could authorize another parent to sign a child out of school. It was a matter of convenience rather than strict rules. Having said that, you couldn’t imagine signing out a random child today as they require parents or guardians to be listed on an approved pick-up form, complete with photo identification, under strict state and federal privacy laws.
Shooting Real Guns
Credit: flickr
In some areas, schools partnered with local programs to teach gun safety, sometimes even allowing students to handle firearms under supervision. While the focus was on education, public safety concerns and changing views on firearms in schools have ended these programs. Current laws generally restrict firearm-related activities to licensed off-campus facilities.
Playing Dodgeball
Credit: flickr
Few games could polarize a class, like dodgeball. For some, it was a thrilling test of agility; for others, it was a source of dread. Over time, the game became controversial, with critics arguing that it encouraged bullying and excluded less athletic students. Many schools either banned it outright or replaced it with softer, less competitive versions.
Taking Gender-Specific Classes
Credit: flickr
The separation of boys and girls into shop class and home economics reinforced traditional gender roles in the ’80s. Boys learned woodworking and mechanics, while girls focused on cooking and sewing. As gender equality became a priority, schools began offering these subjects to all students, with inclusive curricula to reflect modern values.
Making Ashtrays in Art Class
Credit: flickr
Believe it or not, kids once crafted ashtrays in art class and proudly presented them to smoking parents or grandparents as holiday gifts. Smoking’s widespread acceptance meant no one batted an eye at these projects. These days, the known health risks of smoking have ended this practice.