12 Things from the ’80s That Would Be a Lawsuit Today
Many products, activities, and behaviors that were common in the 1980s would likely lead to legal action or regulation if they happened today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 1980s were a time of looser rules around safety, advertising, and child supervision. Some of the most common experiences from that era would no longer meet today’s legal or ethical standards. These 12 examples show how much has changed when it comes to product safety, liability, and public responsibility.
1. Metal Playground Equipment on Concrete
SupapleX on Wikimedia Commons
Many schoolyards and parks had tall metal slides, climbing structures, and monkey bars built over concrete or asphalt. Children frequently fell and were seriously injured. Today, federal safety guidelines require softer surfaces like rubber or mulch. Cities or schools could now face lawsuits for unsafe playground conditions.
2. Riding in Cars Without Seatbelts
Alex P on Pexels
Seatbelt use in the back seat was rarely enforced during the 1980s, and many kids rode without any restraints. Some children even rode in the front seat or the open back of trucks. Car seat laws for young children were not fully in place nationwide. Today, failure to use proper restraints could result in both fines and legal liability in the event of injury.
3. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
/dave/null on Wikimedia Commons
These were heavy metal darts thrown across a yard toward a plastic ring target. They caused dozens of serious injuries and at least a few deaths. After pressure from consumer safety groups, they were banned in the U.S. in 1988. A similar product today would likely be blocked from being sold or lead to immediate legal action.
4. Smoking Indoors Around Children
Irina Iriser on Pexels
It was common to smoke cigarettes in restaurants, cars, airplanes, and even homes with kids present. Secondhand smoke was not yet widely recognized as a serious health risk. Today, smoking around children can lead to legal consequences in some places and would likely be grounds for a lawsuit in shared or public spaces. Health awareness and legal protections have increased significantly since then.
5. TV Ads for Sugary Cereal Aimed at Kids
Ovidiu Creanga on Pexels
In the 1980s, companies freely targeted children with ads for high-sugar foods using cartoons and mascots. There were a few limits on marketing unhealthy food to minors. Today, there are restrictions on advertising to children in some countries, and lawsuits have been filed over misleading health claims. Consumer protection laws now hold advertisers to higher standards.
6. No Helmets on Bikes or Skateboards
Almonroth on Wikimedia Commons
Most kids in the 1980s rode bikes, skateboards, and scooters without helmets or other protection. Injuries were common, but few parents or schools enforced any safety rules. Today, in many places, failure to wear a helmet is against the law for minors. A serious head injury could now lead to a lawsuit against schools or camps that don’t require safety gear.
7. Unsupervised Parties and Sleepovers
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Many children attended sleepovers or birthday parties with little to no adult supervision. Older kids were sometimes left in charge, and unsafe situations happened more often than reported. Today, any harm that occurs could result in lawsuits for negligence. Background checks and supervision rules are now more common at organized events.
8. Unsafe Carnival Rides
Johannes Plenio on Pexels
Temporary rides at local fairs or school events were often poorly maintained and operated by undertrained staff. Injuries happened due to weak safety checks and outdated equipment. Today, there are stricter inspection requirements and legal standards for operators. A malfunction or injury could lead to immediate legal claims.
9. Home Science Kits with Real Chemicals
Franckh-Kosmos Verlags on Wikimedia Commons
Some chemistry kits sold in the 1980s included real acids, flammable materials, or radioactive elements. These were sold with little guidance or protection. Modern versions have removed all dangerous substances due to strict product safety laws. Selling a similar kit today could lead to lawsuits from parents and government fines.
10. Toy Guns That Looked Real
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
Many toy guns in the ’80s looked nearly identical to real firearms. Police often couldn’t tell the difference, and dangerous incidents occurred. Laws now require bright colors or safety markings on toy weapons. A company releasing such toys today could be sued or face criminal liability after a mistaken incident.
11. Lack of Allergy Warnings on Food
Chenspec on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1980s, food packaging rarely included warnings about allergens like peanuts or gluten. People with food allergies had to guess or avoid certain foods altogether. Today, clear labeling is required by law in many countries. If a child had a reaction due to a lack of labeling today, it could lead to a serious lawsuit.
12. School Discipline Using Corporal Punishment
Sebastian Wallroth on Wikimedia Commons
Some schools still used paddling or physical punishment during the 1980s. This was seen as a normal part of discipline in many states. Today, corporal punishment is banned in public schools in most areas and is considered a violation of students’ rights in many districts. Lawsuits related to physical discipline have led to major changes in school policy.