Anyone who grew up in the ‘80s knows that, while this decade was certainly one to remember, health and safety wasn’t quite what it is today. Our parents did all sorts of crazy stuff that, looking back on it, feels borderline abusive. In reality, though, it was just a different time, so reminisce with us on these 17 things your parents likely did in the ‘80s that would be frowned upon today.
Letting Kids Roam Free Without Supervision
Back in the 80s, The Guardian remembers how it was common for kids to play outside without any adult supervision, although not quite as loosely as in the ‘50s. Parents assumed neighborhoods were safe, but today, leaving children unsupervised is seen as risky, and most parents wouldn’t dream of letting their kids roam without close monitoring. We wish things could go back to how they once were, but realistically, this probably wouldn’t be wise.
Smoking Indoors—Everywhere
It didn’t matter whether you were at home, in a restaurant, or even in the office; smoking indoors was a standard practice in the 80s. The health risks associated with secondhand smoke weren’t fully acknowledged, but today, smoking inside public spaces is banned in many areas and strongly discouraged in homes. Frankly, we’re very happy that this law was approved in 2007 around the UK because, before it, it was pretty vile.
Using No Seat Belts in Cars
These days, seat belt use is a legal requirement, and we all know why–it literally saves lives. However, back in the ‘80s, they weren’t strictly enforced at all, and many people chose not to wear them. Kids would even sit in the front seat or lie down in the back without any restraint. Thankfully, laws since 1991 have made seat belt use a mandatory and essential part of car safety.
Drinking Alcohol While Driving
It’s hard to imagine, but back in the ‘80s, there was a bizarrely relaxed attitude toward drinking and driving. It wasn’t uncommon for adults to have a few drinks and then get behind the wheel, especially considering that laws were far more relaxed. Today, driving under the influence is a serious offense with harsh penalties and widespread awareness about the dangers involved; we wouldn’t dream of doing it.
Sending Kids to the Store Alone
If you were an ‘80s kid, you were no doubt sent to the corner alone by your parents to pick up groceries or other items. This level of independence was encouraged, but today, the idea of sending a young child on such an errand without supervision would be frowned upon by most parents. It’s just a different world these days, so such independence simply isn’t worth the risk.
Leaving Babies in the Car While Running Errands
Another thing your parents likely did in the ‘80s that just doesn’t sit right now is leaving their babies or young children in the car while they quickly ran into a store. The risks of heatstroke and kidnapping were not as widely recognized back then, but nowadays, this practice is considered dangerous and even illegal in many places, for good reason.
Not Using Car Seats for Babies and Toddlers
To add to the list of dodgy vehicle habits in the 80s, car seats for babies and toddlers weren’t as advanced or widely used as they are today. Most parents didn’t use them at all, opting to hold their child instead. Today, strict laws and safety standards mandate the use of car seats, and parents adhere closely to these rules.
Letting Kids Watch 18-Rated Movies
If you didn’t get traumatized by horror films as a child, did you even live through the ‘80s? Back then, parents were way more relaxed about letting their kids watch 18-rated movies, so it wasn’t uncommon for children to be exposed to content meant for adults. Thankfully, there’s greater awareness of the impact of media on children these days, although it’s harder than ever to enforce it, considering the number of devices in our lives.
Ignoring Sun Protection
We take sun cream for granted these days, but in the ‘80s, it wasn’t a staple in every household, and many kids spent hours in the sun without any protection. The importance of protecting skin from UV rays was not as well understood, but thankfully, we now all realize that it’s essential for outdoor activities to prevent burns, skin disease, or even cancer.
Using Lead-Based Paint in Homes
Even though the ‘80s weren’t that long ago, lead-based paint was still used in many homes, which seems absurd today. Parents were often unaware of the potential health risks of using it, but thankfully, we turned out alright (for the most part). The use of lead-based paint is banned in most places nowadays, and that’s certainly for the best.
Hosting Sleepovers Without Background Checks
In the ‘80s, sleepovers were very common, and parents often allowed their kids to stay over at friends’ houses without much concern. Today, parents are more cautious, often seeking to know more about the family their home environment, and sometimes even conducting informal background checks before agreeing to a sleepover.
Letting Kids Eat Unhealthy Snacks and Meals
Processed foods and sugary snacks were a major part of the ’80s diet, with little concern for their long-term health effects. In particular, fast food and sugary cereals were common for kids. We’ve moved on from that, thankfully, and there’s now a much greater focus on nutrition, especially when it comes to kids.
Playing Outside Without Helmets or Pads
If you were a kid in the ‘80s, you no doubt loved riding bikes, roller-skating, and playing sports without helmets or protective gear. Nowadays, parents are much more aware of the importance of safety gear, and children are usually required to wear helmets and pads during these activities. However, back in our childhoods, injuries were considered part of growing up.
Allowing Kids to Use Fireworks
You’d have to be a pretty stupid parent these days to allow your child to use fireworks unsupervised, but in the 80s, it was not unusual at all. Safety regulations were more relaxed, and many saw it as harmless fun. However, it wasn’t long until injuries and hospital visits made the news, which eventually led parents away from this unacceptable oversight.
Taking Photos Without Consent
Another thing our parents did in the 80s that wouldn’t be acceptable today was taking photos of their children and other kids without thinking about privacy concerns. These pictures might be shared with friends or displayed without permission, whereas these days, the concept of privacy has evolved, and people are more cautious about taking and sharing photos, especially of children.
Ignoring Food Allergies
Nowadays, food allergies are taken very seriously, with schools and parents taking great care to avoid exposing children to allergens. However, this just wasn’t a thing in the 80s, although allergies were still just as common. As a result, parents often send their kids to school with peanut butter sandwiches or other risky allergens without considering the risks to others.
Using Physical Punishment as Discipline
Perhaps the worst part of ‘80s parenting that we’re glad is gone for good is spanking and other forms of physical punishment, which were commonly accepted as a discipline back then. Parents often use these methods to correct behavior, but today, there’s a broader understanding of the negative effects of physical punishment, with most parents advocating for non-violent forms of discipline.