All The Legal 1980s Things That Got Banned

The 1980s gave us big hair, wild styles, and unforgettable pop culture—but not everything from that decade has aged well. Some things that were totally normal back then would cause outrage today. From spanking kids and letting them buy cigarettes, to throwing chickenpox parties and wearing cringey Halloween costumes, the ‘80s had its share of now-banned behaviors. In this throwback, we’re digging into 15 things people used to do without a second thought—things that today would spark controversy, legal trouble, or just make everyone shake their heads.

1. Physical Punishment
Back in the ’80s, a spanking or a paddle swat was seen as normal discipline—at home and even in school. Parents called it “tough love,” and some classrooms even had a “board of education” hanging on the wall as a warning. But as research showed the long-term damage—like anxiety, aggression, and trust issues—attitudes started to shift. By the ’90s, many schools banned it, and parenting styles began to change. Today, using physical punishment isn’t just frowned upon—it could lead to legal trouble and major social backlash. What was once considered “character-building” is now seen as harmful and outdated.

2. Chickenpox Parties
In the 1980s, some parents actually organized “chickenpox parties” to intentionally expose their kids to the virus. The idea was to “get it over with” while they were young, believing it would be easier than catching it as an adult. Kids would play, share drinks, and basically pass around the pox like it was no big deal. But today, this sounds totally reckless. With a safe and effective vaccine now available, purposely spreading an illness is a major no-no. What once seemed like practical parenting is now considered dangerous—and possibly illegal. Let’s just say science has come a long way since juice-box-fueled germ swaps.

3. Hitchhiking
In the 1980s, sticking your thumb out on the side of the road was just another way to get around. Hitchhiking was seen as adventurous, thrifty, and even kind of cool—something road-tripping free spirits did without a second thought. People trusted strangers to give them a ride, and drivers didn’t think twice about stopping. But today? Total red flag. With rising safety concerns and true crime stories making headlines, hitchhiking is now considered way too risky. Ride-share apps, GPS tracking, and background checks have taken its place. What used to be spontaneous is now seen as a serious gamble most people just won’t take.

4. Freely Sharing Phone Numbers and Prank Calling
Back in the ’80s, tossing your phone number on a napkin or shouting it over the radio was totally normal. Privacy? Barely a thought. Kids prank-called strangers for fun, phone books listed everyone’s name, number, and address, and passing around digits at parties was just how you made friends. But today, we guard our numbers like state secrets. Caller ID, spam filters, and strict privacy rules mean sharing your number without consent is a major no-no. What once felt casual and fun is now seen as reckless—just another reminder of how the digital age changed the rules.

5. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
In the 1980s, riding in the back of a pickup truck felt like pure freedom. Whether it was heading home from a game or cruising country roads with friends, sitting in the truck bed—no seatbelts, no helmets—was just part of the adventure. The wind in your hair and bumps in the road made it all the more thrilling. But today, we know better. Studies have shown just how dangerous it is, and many states now have strict laws against it, especially for kids. What was once a carefree joyride is now considered a serious safety hazard.

6. Supermarket Blacklists
Back in the ’80s, if you messed up at a store—like writing a bad check or shoplifting—you could end up on a literal “blacklist.” These weren’t just notes behind the counter; some stores had actual lists of banned customers taped up in break rooms or even displayed by the register. Teenagers who loitered too long or shoppers who returned items too often could also get added. There was no appeals process and no privacy—just your name and face for everyone to see. Today, that kind of public shaming would spark outrage. With privacy laws and social media, this outdated “watch list” system is now a thing of the past.

7. Knocking on a Stranger’s Door to Use Their Phone
In the 1980s, if you got lost, your car broke down, or you just needed help, the go-to move was simple: walk up to the nearest house and ask to use their phone. No one thought it was strange. Most folks would open the door, hand you the phone, and maybe even offer you a drink while you called for help. Today? Totally different story. With smartphones in every pocket and doorbell cameras on every porch, an unexpected knock from a stranger feels suspicious. Most people won’t even answer, let alone invite you inside. What used to be a normal neighborly gesture now feels like something from a different world.

8. Letting Your Kids Buy Cigarettes
Back in the 1980s, it wasn’t unusual to see a kid stroll into a corner store with a note or a few bucks and ask for a pack of cigarettes—for their parents, of course. Clerks would often sell them without question, sometimes even tossing in a free book of matches. Smoking was everywhere—restaurants, airplanes, offices—and people barely thought about secondhand smoke, let alone what message it sent to kids. Fast forward to today, and that scene would trigger outrage and legal consequences. Strict age restrictions, anti-smoking campaigns, and a better understanding of health risks have made this once-common errand totally unacceptable. Letting kids handle cigarettes now feels like a flashback to a far less cautious time.

9. Smoking and Drinking at School and Work
In the 1980s, lighting up a cigarette at your desk or sipping a drink during a work lunch wasn’t unusual—it was just another day at the office. Teachers took smoke breaks in the lounge, bosses kept ashtrays on their desks, and some schools even had designated student smoking areas. As for alcohol? Three-martini lunches were still a thing, and some workplaces even had bars in the break room. Today, that sounds wild. With stricter laws, health awareness, and changing workplace culture, smoking and drinking on the job are now totally off-limits. What once seemed normal now feels more like a scene from a retro movie than real life.

10. Just Showing Up at a Friend’s House
Back in the ’80s, dropping by unannounced was totally normal. No texts, no calls—just hop on your bike, knock on the door, and hope your friend was home (and that their mom had snacks). It was spontaneous and casual, and nobody thought twice about it. Today, though? An unexpected visit might cause panic. With everyone glued to their phones and calendars packed tight, we now expect at least a heads-up. While some miss the charm of unplanned hangouts, modern life values boundaries and planning more than pop-ins. What was once a friendly surprise is now considered poor etiquette.

11. Letting Your Kids Roam the Neighborhood Freely
In the 1980s, kids had the run of the neighborhood. After breakfast, they’d grab their bikes, vanish for hours, and only return when the streetlights flickered on or a parent shouted their name from the front porch. It was all about independence, imagination, and a whole lot of unsupervised adventure. But today, that kind of freedom would raise eyebrows—or even spark a call to child protective services. With growing concerns about safety, GPS tracking, and constant check-ins, most parents keep a much closer watch. What once symbolized a carefree childhood is now considered risky and outdated.

12. Politically Incorrect Halloween Costumes
Back in the ’80s, Halloween costumes pushed boundaries—and not always in a good way. From wearing blackface to dressing up as “Native Americans” or other cultural stereotypes, what was once brushed off as playful or funny is now seen as deeply offensive. Costumes that mocked mental illness, disabilities, or gender identity were sadly common, with little thought to the harm they caused. Today, there’s a much better understanding of cultural sensitivity, and many schools and stores have rules against these types of outfits. What was once a night of dress-up and shock value is now a reminder that respect is more important than a cheap laugh.

13. PG-13 Ratings Were a Wild Card
In the 1980s, a PG-13 rating didn’t mean what it does today. Back then, it was more like a free pass for movies to push the limits without being slapped with an R. Films like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Gremlins had intense scenes—think heart-ripping rituals and terrifying monsters—and they still slid by with a PG rating until PG-13 was created in 1984. Even after that, 80s PG-13 films often included edgy jokes, strong language, and violence that would never fly under today’s standards. What passed for “family-friendly” then would likely raise a few parental eyebrows now.

14. Visiting the Cockpit Mid-Flight
Back in the 1980s, getting invited into the airplane cockpit was the ultimate travel treat for kids. Flight attendants would happily escort wide-eyed children to meet the pilot, sit in the captain’s seat, and maybe even collect a tiny pair of plastic wings as a souvenir. It felt like stepping into a spaceship! But after 9/11, everything changed. Today, cockpits are locked tight during flights, and even crew members need special clearance to enter. While the gesture once created magical memories, it’s now strictly off-limits for security reasons. That charming peek behind the scenes is a thing of the past.

15. Widespread Homophobia and Discrimination
In the 1980s, homophobia wasn’t just common—it was practically baked into everyday life. Casual slurs, cruel jokes in movies and TV, and open discrimination were all considered normal. The AIDS crisis only made things worse, with misinformation and fear fueling stigma and hate. LGBTQ+ individuals were often blamed, shunned, and denied basic rights. There were few legal protections, and coming out was dangerous. Representation in media was rare and usually offensive. While we’ve made real progress since then, looking back at the ’80s reminds us how far we’ve come—and how far we still need to go to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.