10 School Activities from the Past That Would Be Banned Today
Many past school activities are now banned due to safety concerns, ethical issues, or changes in social values.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
In previous decades, schools allowed certain practices that are now considered unsafe, harmful, or discriminatory. These activities were common in many parts of the world and were accepted as part of school life. Over time, policies and awareness have changed to protect students’ physical and emotional well-being.
1. Dodgeball with No Safety Rules
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In the past, dodgeball games were played with little to no oversight. Students threw heavy rubber balls at full speed, often aiming for the head. Injuries like bruises, black eyes, and even concussions were not uncommon. Many schools today have banned or changed the rules of dodgeball to reduce harm and prevent targeting.
2. Corporal Punishment by Teachers
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Corporal punishment was once legal and widely used in many schools. Teachers used paddles, rulers, or belts to physically discipline students in front of the class. This practice caused fear, emotional trauma, and sometimes physical injury. It is now banned in public schools across many countries and viewed as a violation of children’s rights.
3. Student Smoking Areas on Campus
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Some high schools allowed students to smoke in designated areas on school grounds. Smoking was seen as a personal choice, and schools focused on controlling where it happened rather than stopping it. Over time, research showed the serious health risks of tobacco use. Smoking is now prohibited in most school environments by law.
4. Forced Animal Dissections in Class
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Science classes often required students to dissect animals like frogs or fetal pigs, regardless of personal or ethical objections. Refusing to participate could affect grades or result in disciplinary action. Animal rights and student mental health were not widely considered at the time. Many schools now offer virtual dissection tools and allow students to opt out with parental approval.
5. Gender-Based Class Restrictions
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Classes like home economics were only offered to girls, while boys were enrolled in woodshop or mechanical classes. This limited students’ exposure to skills that did not match traditional gender roles. Girls were often discouraged from technical subjects, and boys were excluded from learning household tasks. Schools today allow students to choose classes based on interest, not gender.
6. Hazing in School Sports and Clubs
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Older students sometimes forced new members of teams or clubs to complete humiliating tasks or endure verbal and physical abuse. These activities were considered team bonding or tradition. Many students felt pressured to participate despite discomfort or fear. Hazing is now widely banned and is treated as a serious violation of student conduct.
7. Field Trips Without Proper Supervision
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Students were often allowed to explore museums, parks, or even cities in small groups with little adult oversight. Some students got lost or ended up in unsafe situations. There were few emergency protocols or check-in systems in place. Today, schools enforce strict supervision rules and require permission forms, chaperones, and detailed safety plans.
8. Laying in the Sun During PE
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Physical education classes sometimes allowed students to sunbathe instead of participating in exercise. Teachers did not monitor sunscreen use, and there was little concern about skin damage. At the time, sun exposure was viewed as healthy. Today, schools are more informed about the risks of UV rays and prioritize student activity and safety during PE.
9. Public Discipline in Front of Classmates
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Teachers would sometimes punish students by yelling at them in front of others or sending them out of the classroom. These acts often caused embarrassment, anxiety, and long-term damage to self-esteem. The goal was to correct behavior quickly, but it often led to emotional distress. Modern school policies promote respectful discipline in private settings when possible.
10. Weigh-Ins During Gym Class
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Many schools used to weigh students as part of fitness testing and record results publicly. This led to teasing, shame, and disordered eating behaviors in some cases. Teachers were not trained to handle body image issues or student privacy. Most schools now avoid public weigh-ins and focus on overall health education instead.