1. Ride in the Front Seat
In the ’80s, it wasn’t uncommon for children to ride in the front seat of a car, even if they were still too small for the seatbelt to fit properly. The rules for child passenger safety were less strict, and it wasn’t until later that regulations regarding seat belts and booster seats became more stringent. Airbags were also not as common in cars, and there was little understanding of the risks they posed to smaller passengers. As a result, many children would sit comfortably in the front seat, often without a second thought. It was just the way things were—uncomplicated and routine, without the added layer of safety protocols that we now consider essential.
Today, laws require children to remain in the back seat until they reach a certain age, height, or weight. Parents are now much more aware of the risks associated with airbags and have become accustomed to using booster seats for smaller children. In fact, car safety has evolved dramatically over the years, and car manufacturers are now designing vehicles with advanced safety features, such as side airbags and reinforced frames, to protect passengers. The idea of a child sitting in the front seat without a booster or seatbelt seems foreign to many modern parents, as car safety has become a critical focus of childrearing. Source
2. Walk to School Alone
In the ’80s, it was commonplace for children to walk to school solo, sometimes as young as six or seven. Parents trusted their neighborhoods, and there was little concern about allowing kids to make their way to school on their own. It was not unusual to see groups of children walking or riding their bikes together, taking pride in their growing independence. For many, this was seen as an essential rite of passage, a way for children to gain confidence in themselves and learn how to navigate the world. Kids would even take public transportation, sometimes far from home, without supervision. It was considered both safe and empowering for young ones to manage the journey themselves.
Fast forward to today, and parents are much more cautious about letting their children walk to school. Concerns about safety, particularly with regard to abductions and traffic accidents, have led to a significant decrease in children walking independently. Many neighborhoods have become more car-dependent, and the notion of children walking alone is now rare in many communities. Additionally, the rise of technology and monitoring apps has led to new ways of keeping tabs on children, though it often includes a layer of anxiety that didn’t exist in the past. The idea of kids walking to school on their own seems increasingly outdated in the face of modern concerns. Source
3. Play Outside Until Dark
In the ’80s, children spent hours playing outside, often without any adult supervision. Whether it was riding bikes through the neighborhood, playing tag, or just hanging out with friends, kids were free to roam as long as they were home before dark. The streets were their playground, and the concept of supervised play was much less common. Back then, parents didn’t feel the need to hover over their children all day long. There was a sense of trust in the community, and it wasn’t unusual for kids to be out of sight for long periods, as long as they followed a few basic rules.
Today, however, many children spend more time indoors, often engaged in digital entertainment such as video games or social media. There is growing concern about the safety of children playing outside alone, and many parents now feel uncomfortable allowing their children to roam unsupervised. The rise of technology and the prevalence of screen-based entertainment have also contributed to a shift away from outdoor play. It is now more common to see children under close supervision, either indoors or in fenced-in areas, rather than the free-roaming style of the ’80s. Many parents now opt for scheduled playdates or other activities to ensure their children are occupied. Source
4. Use the Family Landline for Hours
Before smartphones became ubiquitous, the family landline was the central communication tool for most households. In the ’80s, kids would often grab the house phone to chat with friends for hours on end, sometimes monopolizing the line well into the evening. This wasn’t just a way to stay connected; it was a social ritual. Kids would call each other up, and conversations would go on for hours, often discussing school, friends, or just random topics. With no other means of communication, the landline was the go-to method for staying in touch, and this tradition was a major part of childhood during that era.
Today, however, the family landline has become almost obsolete. With cell phones, text messaging, and social media platforms, kids now have instant access to their friends anytime and anywhere. As a result, landlines have been phased out in many homes, replaced by more modern forms of communication. The idea of tying up the phone line for hours now seems quaint, and the need for long, uninterrupted conversations has largely faded with the rise of mobile technology. While some older generations may still appreciate the nostalgia of the landline, it’s clear that this tradition has been replaced by faster and more convenient means of connection. Source
5. Eat Candy and Junk Food Without Guilt
The ’80s were a golden age for sugary snacks and junk food. From sugary cereals to candy bars, kids could indulge in their favorite treats without much concern for their health. Parents, for the most part, didn’t worry about the impact of sugar on their children’s health. Fast food was a common part of the diet, and a trip to the local snack aisle meant coming home with a treasure trove of sweet, salty, and often greasy goodies. It wasn’t uncommon for kids to have sugar-filled snacks with little to no moderation. Many children didn’t experience the restrictions on junk food that kids today are accustomed to.
In contrast, today’s children face a much stricter approach to diet. Parents are more conscious of the health risks associated with sugary snacks, such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. As a result, healthier snacks and meals are prioritized, and junk food is often viewed with more scrutiny. Many households emphasize whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, making processed snacks a rarity in many homes. The emphasis on healthy eating has led to a cultural shift in how food is viewed in relation to children, and indulgence in sugary snacks is no longer as common or as carefree as it once was. Source
6. Watch TV for Hours Without Supervision
Television watching was a major pastime for children in the ’80s, with little concern about the amount of time spent in front of the screen. Family-friendly shows such as The Wonder Years, Full House, and Family Ties were staples in many households, and kids would gather around the TV for hours of entertainment. With only a few channels to choose from, TV watching was often the most accessible form of entertainment. There were fewer concerns about the negative effects of screen time, and parents didn’t feel the need to regulate how much time their kids spent watching TV.
Today, however, screen time has become a point of contention for many parents. With the rise of streaming services, video games, and social media, children have more access to screens than ever before. Parents are now much more cautious about how much time their children spend on screens, with many setting limits on both TV and internet use. The concern over physical health, as well as the potential for children to become socially isolated, has led to a shift in how screen time is managed. In many homes, outdoor play and social interaction are encouraged as alternatives to hours of passive entertainment. Source
7. Play with Lawn Darts
Lawn darts were a popular backyard game in the ’80s, providing hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike. The metal-tipped projectiles were thrown towards a target, often with little concern for safety. While fun, lawn darts were notoriously dangerous, and many injuries were reported over the years. As a result, the game was eventually banned in the United States due to the significant risks posed by the heavy metal tips. What was once a popular pastime became a relic of a less safety-conscious time.
Today, lawn darts are largely seen as a dangerous relic, and most people wouldn’t think of bringing them out at a family gathering. The risks associated with these games have led to the creation of safer alternatives, such as foam-tipped darts or other backyard games that are less likely to cause harm. The ban on metal-tipped lawn darts reflects a larger trend in toy and game safety. The idea of letting kids play with such dangerous toys is now unimaginable to many modern parents. Source
8. Stay Home Alone After School
In the ’80s, it wasn’t uncommon for children to come home from school and be left unsupervised for a few hours until their parents returned from work. This was especially true for children who were a little older and had demonstrated responsibility. Parents trusted their children to do their homework, make a snack, and entertain themselves during this time. It was a routine that many children experienced, and it was seen as a way for kids to develop independence and responsibility. There was no pervasive fear that something would go wrong during those hours alone.
In contrast, today’s parents are far more hesitant to leave their children home alone, even if they are old enough. Concerns about child safety, as well as the increasing prevalence of after-school programs and other extracurricular activities, have made it less common for kids to be left unsupervised. Many children today are involved in structured activities after school or are picked up by a parent or caregiver. The rise of stay-at-home parents, combined with concerns about online safety and stranger danger, has changed how children spend their after-school hours. Source
9. Swim Without Supervision
Swimming was a relatively unsupervised activity for many children in the ’80s. Whether it was at a local pool, in a lake, or at the beach, kids would often jump into the water without much concern for safety. Lifeguards were a rare presence, and parents didn’t hover over their children while they swam. Swimming was simply another part of summer fun, and there was little awareness about the importance of constant supervision, especially for younger children. The idea of pool safety was not as emphasized as it is today.
Today, however, there is a much greater focus on swimming safety. Lifeguards are stationed at most public pools, and children are required to take swimming lessons at a younger age. Parents are much more vigilant when it comes to water activities, often keeping a close eye on their children while they swim. Floatation devices are commonly used, and many families invest in swim lessons to ensure that children are water-safe. The tragic stories of drowning incidents have led to stricter regulations and a heightened sense of caution when it comes to swimming. Source
10. Ride Bikes Without Helmets
Riding bikes was a carefree activity for kids in the ’80s, and helmets were often considered optional. Many kids would cruise around their neighborhoods without any protective gear, confident in their ability to handle their bikes. This was a time before widespread awareness of the dangers of head injuries, and parents typically didn’t insist on helmets. While bike safety was always a concern, it wasn’t as emphasized back then as it is today. Kids might scrape their knees or elbows, but serious injuries were considered less of a threat than they are now.
Fast forward to today, and helmets have become a non-negotiable part of the biking experience. Parents and authorities now recognize the serious risks of head injuries, and bike safety has become a key part of childhood education. Most states have laws requiring children to wear helmets while biking, and it’s a common practice in many households. Helmets have become an essential piece of biking gear, and the idea of a child riding without one is unthinkable to many modern parents. The shift in attitudes toward bike safety reflects broader changes in how we approach child protection and injury prevention. Source
11. Use Public Payphones
In the ’80s, public payphones were an essential part of communication for kids who were out and about. Whether it was to call home or to meet up with friends, payphones were everywhere. Kids learned how to use them—finding a quarter, dialing the number, and waiting for a connection. The payphone was a lifeline for many, as it was the only means of communication when away from home. With no cell phones to rely on, children became proficient at using these public phones and often relied on them in emergencies.
Today, however, public payphones are all but extinct. They have been replaced by personal cell phones, which allow for instant communication at any time. The idea of searching for a payphone, let alone using coins to make a call, seems increasingly outdated in a world where everyone carries a smartphone. Payphones have been largely removed from public spaces, and those few that remain are often in disrepair. The concept of using a payphone has faded into the realm of nostalgia for many. Source
12. Have a Sleepover with No Supervision
In the ’80s, sleepovers were a rite of passage for kids, and parents rarely stayed up late to supervise the festivities. It was all about the kids having fun, eating junk food, watching movies, and staying up all night with their friends. The idea of a parent hovering nearby or intervening during a sleepover was foreign. Kids enjoyed complete autonomy and independence, often making their own plans and entertaining themselves. This was seen as an essential part of childhood that allowed for socializing and creating lifelong memories.
Today, however, sleepovers often come with a more cautious approach from parents. Many sleepovers now involve some level of supervision, with parents either staying nearby or checking in regularly. The notion of children being left completely unsupervised during a sleepover is becoming less common, as concerns about safety and behavior have risen. Parents often feel the need to monitor social interactions more closely, particularly as children grow older. While sleepovers remain a popular tradition, the carefree nature of these gatherings has been replaced by more structured environments. Source
13. Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck
In the ’80s, riding in the back of a pickup truck was not only normal, but it was also seen as an adventure. Kids would hop into the truck bed, often without thinking twice about the dangers involved. It was a symbol of freedom and fun—feeling the wind in your hair and enjoying the open road. Parents didn’t see the harm in it, and few safety regulations existed to prevent it. Pickup trucks were considered just another mode of transport, and riding in the back was as commonplace as riding in the front seat.
Today, however, riding in the back of a pickup truck is seen as highly dangerous and is even illegal in many places. Modern safety concerns about car accidents and the risks of unrestrained passengers have led to significant changes in transportation laws. Many states now have laws prohibiting children from riding in the back of trucks, recognizing the dangers posed by this practice. The shift reflects the growing awareness of child safety and the need for more stringent rules regarding transportation. Source
14. Play with Dangerous Toys
Toys in the ’80s were often more dangerous than what we allow today. From action figures with sharp edges to toy guns that shot projectiles, many toys posed a serious risk to children. Safety standards for toys were not as strict, and manufacturers didn’t have to adhere to the same level of scrutiny that they do now. Toys were often made from cheap plastic, with parts that could break off or cause injury. Parents rarely thought twice about purchasing toys like these, trusting that they were harmless fun.
In contrast, today’s toys are held to much higher safety standards. There are stringent regulations regarding the materials used in toys, and manufacturers must ensure that their products meet specific guidelines for safety. Dangerous toys with sharp edges or choking hazards are no longer allowed on the market, and products undergo rigorous testing before being sold. The emphasis on safety in the toy industry reflects broader changes in how we protect children from harm. Toys that were once considered fun are now seen as a serious safety risk, and it’s hard to imagine letting kids play with many of them today. Source