Top 30+ Things That Were Common in the 1980s but Are Totally Banned Today

The 1980s were an exuberant era characterized by vibrant neon hues, voluminous hairstyles, and conduct that is inconceivable today. From hazardous toys to dubious social practices, here’s a list of 30 things that were once commonplace but are now entirely outlawed.

1. Lawn Darts

These sharp, metal-tipped projectiles were a favorite outdoor pastime until they caused numerous children to visit the emergency room. As a result of serious injuries and fatalities, the U. S. prohibited them in 1988.

2. Smoking on Airplanes

In the ’80s, it was completely acceptable to smoke during flights, with cabins filled with smoke and tiny ashtrays perched on armrests. Fortunately, the ban on smoking on domestic flights was enacted in 1990, enhancing the air quality for travelers.

3. Leaded Gasoline

For many years, vehicles operated on leaded gasoline, but by the 1980s, experts were aware of its detrimental impact on health. The sale of leaded fuel for on-road automobiles was officially banned in the U. S. in 1996.

4. Walkman Headphones While Driving

Enjoying your favorite cassette while driving appeared innocent, but it distracted drivers and contributed to accidents. As a result, several states prohibited the use of Walkman-style headphones while operating a vehicle.

5. Mercury Thermometers

These glass thermometers were commonplace in households but posed significant risks of mercury poisoning if shattered. By the 2000s, most areas banned their sale, opting for digital replacements.

6. Playing Tetherball

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.

7. Walking to and from School Alone

With recent state and local guidelines recommending that younger children be accompanied by an adult, school districts now emphasize organized bus routes and drop-off zones.

8. Smoking in Restaurants

Dining out in the 1980s often involved inhaling smoke, with non-smoking sections providing minimal relief. By the 2000s, most nations had prohibited indoor smoking in public venues.

9. CFC Aerosol Sprays

Hairspray was an essential item in the ’80s, yet the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in aerosols were harmful to the ozone layer. The U. S. and various other countries prohibited CFCs in spray containers for environmental protection.

10. Flammable Children’s Pajamas

Children's sleepwear was once made of highly flammable materials, representing a significant fire risk. Current regulations mandate that pajamas be flame-resistant or fitted closely to minimize hazards.

11. Public Payphone Prank Calls

Before the advent of caller ID, prank calls were a popular form of teenage mischief, often made from public payphones. However, harassment laws and the decline of payphones have rendered them obsolete.

12. Leaving Kids Unsupervised

It wasn’t unusual for parents to send kids out to play and not see them again until dinner. “Be back before dark” was the only rule. Today, the idea of kids roaming the neighborhood unsupervised would leave most parents in a panic, thanks to heightened safety concerns

13. Lead Paint

Once prevalent in older homes and children's toys, lead-based paint was ultimately banned in the U. S. in 1978, although many homes in the ’80s still had it. It posed significant health risks, particularly for young children.

14. Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking was a widely accepted method for inexpensive travel, but safety worries caused its decline. Many states have implemented legislation against it to mitigate crime and accidents.

15. Physical Punishment in Schools

In the 1980s, corporal punishment was a common practice, with educators using paddles on students who misbehaved. In contrast, most educational institutions now prohibit this method, opting for non-violent approaches to discipline.

16. No Seatbelt Laws

It was standard for individuals to travel in cars without wearing seatbelts, even in the front seats. To enhance road safety, stringent seatbelt regulations were gradually implemented in the late 1980s and 1990s.

17. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks

Riding in the open bed of a pickup truck was an enjoyable and typical activity, especially in rural communities. However, safety legislation has since made this activity illegal in many regions due to its potential for serious accidents.

18. Free Plastic Grocery Bags

During the 1980s, using plastic bags for every purchase was unremarkable. Nowadays, numerous areas have instituted bans on these bags to help minimize environmental pollution.

19. Leaving School for Lunch

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.

20. Drinking from the Hose

Although drinking directly from a garden hose was a typical childhood experience, this practice is now discouraged due to concerns regarding lead and bacteria. Many hoses contain harmful substances that can contaminate the water.

21. Getting Candy as a Reward

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.

22. No Helmets for Bike Riders

Many children used to ride bicycles without helmets, even in busy areas. Today, helmet regulations are in place in various locations to reduce the risk of head injuries.

23. Gas Stations Without Card Readers

In the 1980s, customers were required to pay inside with cash or checks. Currently, most gas stations have implemented card readers, and checks are seldom accepted.

24. School Soda Machines

Numerous schools had vending machines stocked with soda, making sugary beverages easily available to students. Health guidelines have since led to their removal in favor of healthier options such as water and juice.

25. Bringing a Swiss Army Knife to School

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.

26. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

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.

27. Bringing Cupcakes for Birthdays

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.

28. Teenagers Driving School Buses

Stricter Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines now require extensive training and certification to make sure only professional drivers are behind the wheel.

29. Getting Signed Out of School by a Friend’s Parent

We 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.

30. Climbing Trees

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.