12 PSAs from the Past That Were Terrifying in Hindsight

Public service announcements often used fear to grab attention and warn people about serious dangers. These 12 PSAs from the past were intense, graphic, or disturbing, especially when viewed today. While their goal was to protect the public, many of them frightened both children and adults.

1. British Electricity Safety PSA – “Play Safe” (1975)

Keith Edkins on Wikimedia Commons

This PSA warned children not to play near electrical equipment or substations. It showed two boys entering a power station and one of them getting electrocuted. The scene was graphic, and the message was clear, but it terrified many kids. The ad was often shown in schools and is still remembered decades later.

2. U.S. “Crying Indian” Pollution PSA (1971)

CGP Grey on Wikimedia Commons

This PSA showed a Native American man with a tear rolling down his cheek while standing in polluted surroundings. It was meant to highlight environmental damage caused by human behavior. The intense imagery and music created a somber and unsettling mood. The message stayed with many viewers, even though the campaign has since faced criticism for its use of stereotypes.

3. Australian “Grim Reaper” AIDS Awareness Ad (1987)

Trish Steel on Wikimedia Commons

This ad showed the Grim Reaper bowling over people to represent how AIDS could affect anyone. It included children and adults being knocked down like pins. The imagery was dark and caused fear instead of understanding. The ad received complaints and was pulled early, but it is still widely discussed today.

4. U.S. “This is Your Brain on Drugs” (1987)

Remydiligent on Wikimedia Commons

This PSA featured a man cracking an egg into a frying pan and saying, “This is your brain on drugs.” The sizzling sound and serious tone made it memorable. Later versions added more aggression, including smashing the kitchen. The message was clear but used fear rather than facts to warn against drug use.

5. British Road Safety PSA – “Julie” (1998)

MIDWST.BLUR on Wikimedia Commons

This UK PSA showed a girl named Julie being hit by a speeding car in slow motion. The video used real actors and realistic effects to show the damage caused by just a few extra miles per hour. The sound of the impact was disturbing and left a strong impression. Many viewers found it too upsetting for television, especially when shown during the day.

6. U.S. Anti-Meth Ad – “No One Thinks They’ll Try Meth” (2005)

Radspunk on Wikimedia Commons

These ads showed teens experiencing the harsh effects of meth addiction, including violence, injury, and emotional breakdowns. The visuals were raw and intense. The series used a documentary style to make the damage seem real and immediate. It aimed to shock young viewers into avoiding the drug.

7. Canadian “Don’t Put It in Your Mouth” (1990s)

Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith on Wikimedia Commons

This ad used puppets to tell children not to put unknown things in their mouths. While the message was useful, the puppets’ strange appearance and creepy voices unsettled many viewers. The dark lighting and serious tone added to the discomfort. Many children found it more scary than helpful.

8. U.S. Anti-Smoking Ad – “Terrie’s Story” (2011)

Wikimedia Commons

This real-life testimonial featured Terrie, a woman who lost her voice box due to smoking. She described her daily routine, including putting on a wig and speaking through a hole in her neck. The ad was part of the CDC’s “Tips From Former Smokers” campaign. Its honesty and visuals made it difficult to watch, but very effective.

9. British “Lonely Water” PSA (1973)

Slyronit on Wikimedia Commons

Narrated by Donald Pleasence, this ad warned children to stay away from dangerous ponds and rivers. The narrator played the voice of death, watching children from the shadows. The eerie tone and dark visuals gave it a horror-like feeling. Many adults today say it gave them nightmares as children.

10. U.S. Anti-Drunk Driving PSA – “It’s 10pm, Do You Know Where Your Kids Are?” (1970s–1980s)

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Reckard on Wikimedia Commons

Though not violent, the message was filled with anxiety and fear. The voiceover asked parents where their children were, implying something bad might happen if they didn’t know. It created tension and guilt, especially for families during a time of rising crime. The line became widely known and often repeated.

11. New Zealand Road Safety PSA – “Ghost Chips” (2011)

Archives New Zealand on Wikimedia Commons

This ad used dark humor to talk about drunk driving, but the emotional turn caught viewers off guard. It showed a teen imagining the consequences of his friend driving drunk, including death. The mix of humor and serious outcome created a strong emotional response. While not graphic, the message was powerful and lasting.

12. U.S. “McGruff the Crime Dog” Stranger Danger PSAs (1980s)

Office of Congressman John Dingell on Wikimedia Commons

McGruff warned children about crime, drugs, and strangers in a series of animated and live-action clips. Some episodes showed reenactments of kidnappings or break-ins. The crime scenarios were frightening for young viewers. While meant to teach safety, the delivery often made kids afraid to go outside.

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