The ’80s were full of trends and habits that seemed completely normal at the time, but schools didn’t always agree. Kids would show up with toys, hairstyles, or items they thought were harmless, only to be told they weren’t allowed. Looking back, some of these bans seem silly, while others make more sense given the concerns of parents during that era.
This list looks at fifteen things schools banned in the ’80s. From odd distractions to everyday items that caused people to be uncomfortable, these rules give a glimpse into what life was like for students in the 1980s and what got them in trouble. Let’s dive into 15 things they banned from school in the ’80s.
1. Long hair on boys
Many schools in the 1980s saw long hair as a symbol of defiance against traditional norms. Schools argued it undermined discipline and respect for authority. At most private schools and even some public schools, grooming standards were strictly enforced to maintain a uniform appearance.
2. Pagers
Devices that allowed constant communication were feared to interrupt lessons. This is a practice that’s been taken up by schools today as well. Educators believed students would prioritize personal messages over schoolwork, and schools wanted to preserve a focused and controlled learning environment.
3. Skateboards
In the ’80s, many schools banned skateboarding because it was seen as a dangerous activity that could cause injuries on school property. Administrators said they feared accidents could lead to lawsuits, so they banned skateboarding. Just look at this photo above… what would make them think skateboarding is reckless?
4. Chewing gum
Gum was considered messy and disruptive, and kids constantly stuck it to furniture and floors. Teachers believed it distracted students from lessons, and others worried about hygiene and sanitation issues. Banning gum simplified classroom management and reduced cleaning costs.
5. Rubik’s cubes
Rubik’s cubes were extremely popular in the ’80s, so they were often banned from schools because students would become distracted with them during class.
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6. Comic books
Certain comic books were restricted from ’80s schools because some were believed to promote violence and inappropriate humor. Parents and administrators considered the content morally questionable, leading libraries to remove controversial comics and ban them from schools.
7. Walkmans
Many schools banned Walkmans because students would listen to music instead of paying attention in class. Obviously, if you were a teacher back then and saw a kid in the back of the class staring off with headphones on, you’d make them take them off, too.
8. Hats
Most teachers in the ’80s considered wearing hats disrespectful. Policies reflected long-standing traditions in classroom behavior. Teachers also reported that hats could hide student identities during instruction, so the ban reinforced discipline and attentiveness.
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9. Yo-yos
Yo-yos were banned as distractions during lessons and transitions. Students often competed or played with them instead of paying attention. Schools worried about injuries from swinging or falling objects, and teachers encouraged other activities that supported focus and learning.
10. Cassette recorders
As you could imagine, kids having instruments to record teachers or other kids was quite the distraction. Students frequently used cassette recorders to tape music or conversations, creating distractions during lessons. Administrators feared recordings of teachers could be misused or distributed without permission.
11. Chain wallets
Chain wallets were banned because teachers were concerned they could be used as weapons or damage property. Administrators were concerned about fights and accidental injuries.
12. Band t-shirts
While there wasn’t a widespread official nationwide ban on band t-shirts, many schools did ban t-shirts that featured inappropriate rock bands or controversial imagery. These bans were particularly targeting heavy metal or punk band merch that was deemed inappropriate.
13. Clackers
Clackers, a toy consisting of two hard balls on a string that banged together, were banned because they were considered a serious safety hazard. Students frequently hit themselves, others, or nearby objects while trying to play, resulting in injuries and broken classroom items. Teachers reported constant disruptions as students practiced and competed with them during lessons.
14. Portable cameras
Schools often banned portable cameras because students could take pictures without permission, raising privacy and security concerns. Administrators worried that photos could capture inappropriate behavior or be shared in ways that disrupted school order. Teachers noted that students sometimes focused more on photographing friends than participating in lessons. This ultimately led to their ban from most schools.
15. Trading cards
Schools often banned trading cards because students became distracted by collecting, trading, and playing games during school. Teachers reported arguments or fights over rare or valuable cards, which disrupted lessons and hallways. Administrators were concerned that disputes could escalate and create an unsafe environment.
Want to see more ’80s content?
Check out 20 Overrated Male Rock Musicians Who Had Their Moments in the 1980s, or take a look at 20 Throwback Class Photos from the Electric 1980s. Finally, if you want to see celebrity stories from the ’80s, check out 20 Celeb Stories From the 1980s.
