In the vibrant era of the 1980s, children lugged to school an array of items that would raise eyebrows today. The cultural norms of that time, coupled with a lack of stringent safety standards, allowed for a variety of seemingly odd and now-unacceptable school supplies. Here, we delve into 12 such items that reflect a bygone era of school life.
1. Metal Lunch Boxes
Remember those colorful, clunky metal lunch boxes adorned with popular 1980s cartoon characters? These sturdy containers were once a staple in every child’s school kit. Although they were practical for carrying a hearty sandwich and an apple, their hard edges and metallic surfaces posed a safety hazard. Nowadays, soft, insulated lunch bags have replaced these nostalgic items.
Beyond their safety concerns, these lunch boxes are now collectible items, cherished by those who long for a taste of childhood nostalgia. Their vibrant designs remain etched in the memories of many who grew up during that era.
2. Candy Cigarettes
In an era where smoking was more culturally accepted, candy cigarettes were a playground favorite among kids in the 1980s. These sugary sticks mimicked real cigarettes, complete with a chalky texture and a puff of sugar smoke. Today, promoting any tobacco-related imagery to children is frowned upon.
These candies subtly introduced the idea of smoking as ‘cool’ or ‘grown-up.’ While they are considered inappropriate now, they remain a curious relic of how societal views on smoking have significantly evolved over the decades.
3. Slap Bracelets
With a swift flick of the wrist, slap bracelets snapped onto arms, capturing the affection of kids everywhere in the 1980s. These playful accessories, offered in endless designs, became a fashion statement. However, the metal strip inside posed a risk of cuts and scratches.
Eventually, schools banned them due to safety concerns, replacing them with safer alternatives. Despite this, slap bracelets remain a fond memory for those who indulged in their spontaneous allure. They symbolize a time when fashion was as bold as the personalities who wore them.
4. Trapper Keepers
The iconic Trapper Keeper was the organizational tool of choice for every 1980s student. Its bright, geometric covers contained folders and dividers, perfect for keeping homework in check. However, its bulkiness and distraction potential led to its decline in schools.
Modern equivalents offer streamlined designs, emphasizing functionality without the frills. For many, the Trapper Keeper evokes memories of a time when personal expression was as important as academic achievement, capturing the essence of 1980s school culture in its colorful pages.
5. Pocket Knives
Once considered a practical tool, pocket knives found their way into many a child’s backpack in the 1980s. Useful for whittling sticks or sharpening pencils, these items were seen as symbols of responsibility. Today, they are strictly prohibited in schools due to safety concerns.
Society’s shift towards stricter safety measures has rendered these tools obsolete in a school setting. However, they remain a nostalgic reminder of a time when personal responsibility was taught through real-world tools and experiences.
6. Chemical Set
Aspiring scientists in the 1980s often brought chemical sets to school, eager to explore the wonders of chemistry. These kits contained real chemicals, allowing for hands-on experiments. Nowadays, the risk of spills, burns, and exposure to toxic substances has made such kits unacceptable.
Modern science kits are designed with safety in mind, featuring non-toxic materials. The chemical sets of yesteryear, though fondly remembered, highlight how educational tools have evolved to prioritize safety without stifling curiosity.
7. BB Guns
In the 1980s, BB guns were often brought to school by children eager to showcase their shooting skills. Seen as toys, they were used during recess for target practice. Today, bringing any kind of firearm, toy or otherwise, to school is strictly forbidden.
This shift reflects a broader societal move towards ensuring school safety, distancing educational environments from potential harm. The presence of BB guns in schools is now a distant memory, indicative of changing norms and heightened awareness around child safety.
8. Yo-Yos
The yo-yo, a timeless toy, enjoyed a massive resurgence in the 1980s. Its allure lay in the skill and finesse required to master tricks like ‘walking the dog’ or ‘around the world.’ Though still popular, the distraction they posed led many schools to ban them during class.
For those who wielded them with flair, yo-yos were more than just toys—they were badges of honor. This craze represented a time when hand-eye coordination was celebrated, and simple joys were woven into everyday school life.
9. Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube, with its brightly colored squares, was the ultimate brain teaser of the 1980s. Students spent hours twisting and turning its sides, often to the detriment of their studies. This led to its ban in several schools as it became a source of distraction.
Today, while still popular, the cube’s presence in classrooms is limited to educational purposes. It stands as a testament to the era’s love for puzzles and challenges, reflecting a time when mental agility was both a pastime and a point of pride.
10. Jelly Shoes
Jelly shoes, with their bright, translucent hues, were the footwear sensation of the 1980s. Comfortable yet slippery, they were infamous for causing falls on school grounds. Despite their popularity, safety concerns eventually led to their decline in schools.
These shoes evoke memories of carefree days filled with vibrant fashion choices. Though impractical for classroom safety, jelly shoes remain a symbol of 80s flair and the decade’s playful approach to fashion.
11. Pogs
The simple yet addictive game of pogs captured the hearts of schoolchildren in the late 1980s. With cardboard circles and a ‘slammer,’ kids competed to win each other’s collections. However, the game’s competitive nature led to classroom disputes and eventual bans.
Despite this, pogs are fondly remembered for their vibrant designs and the thrill of competition. They represent a time when playground games were both simple and intense, offering a glimpse into the playful spirit of the 80s.
12. Laser Pointers
While not as common, some students in the late 1980s brought laser pointers to school, fascinated by the novelty of directing a red dot around the room. Their potential for misuse, such as distracting teachers, led to their prohibition.
Today, laser pointers are primarily used in professional settings, highlighting how technology once seen as a toy has found serious applications. These devices remind us of an era when curiosity often blurred the lines between education and entertainment.