14 Things You Did As a Kid That Would Be a Crime in 2025
These childhood habits were once normal but would probably land you in trouble today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Back then, most of us ran wild without a second thought. But many of the things we used to do would raise serious legal eyebrows today. If your childhood included some of these things, you were probably breaking the rules — you just did not know it yet.
1. Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
Ahmed akacha on Pexels
Piling into the back of a pickup felt like freedom. Today, many states have laws banning kids from riding unrestrained in the back of any vehicle. What was once a casual ride is now a major safety violation.
2. Buying Cigarettes for Your Parents
Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Pexels
Corner stores used to hand over smokes without blinking, even if you were eight and holding a note. These days, handing tobacco to a child would get a store shut down. Your little grocery errand could now involve a hefty fine.
3. Playing Alone Until the Streetlights Came On
Alexey Demidov on Pexels
Back then, it was just how kids played. Now, letting a child roam unsupervised can result in neglect charges in some areas. That kind of freedom might come with a legal case today.
4. Walking to School Alone at a Young Age
Caleb Oquendo on Pexels
It was once considered a sign of maturity. Today, it can spark calls to child services if the child is under a certain age. What was once independence is now often seen as risky.
5. Playing with Fireworks Without Supervision
andrew vijay on Pexels
Kids lighting bottle rockets in the driveway was a summer tradition. Now, it is illegal in many places without permits and adult oversight. You could get cited just for possessing them.
6. Babysitting at Age 10
Vlada Karpovich on Pexels
Parents once trusted kids to watch other kids while they ran errands. In many places now, there are minimum age requirements for babysitting. Leaving a 10-year-old in charge today could lead to a call from Child Protective Services.
7. Riding Bikes Without Helmets
Peter Tran on Pexels
Wind in your hair, no helmet in sight — that was the norm. Now, helmet laws are strict in many areas, especially for minors. Fines and parental penalties are common for what used to be harmless fun.
8. Staying Home Alone at a Young Age
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Coming home with your own key used to be a badge of honor. These days, some states have laws about the minimum age at which a child can be left home alone. Parents could be reported just for running late.
9. Hitching Rides with Strangers
rawpixel.com rawpixel on Wikimedia Commons
Carpooling with a neighbor’s uncle you barely knew was normal. Today, letting a child ride with someone unfamiliar could raise major safety concerns. That kind of trust might now be considered dangerous.
10. Drinking Sips of Alcohol at Family Parties
Anna Shvets on Pexels
It was not unusual for kids to get a tiny taste of wine at holidays. In some places now, even that could be considered contributing to the delinquency of a minor. What once seemed harmless is now treated seriously.
11. Riding Without a Car Seat or Booster
Zac Frith on Pexels
Kids riding up front without a seatbelt used to be common. Now, there are strict regulations about age, weight, and safety restraints. Ignoring those rules can lead to major penalties.
12. Playing With Cap Guns in Public
Mike Prosser from Austin, TX, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Cap guns once looked so real that they scared the neighbors. Today, toy weapons are heavily restricted in public spaces. Carrying one could cause panic or even get law enforcement involved.
13. Skipping School Without a Parent’s Knowledge
Zeeshan Khan on Pexels
Back then, skipping school was a rite of passage. Now, truancy laws are strictly enforced, and both parents and students can face consequences. Cutting class could mean fines or even court appearances.
14. Building Treehouses Without Permission
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Hammering nails into your neighbor’s tree used to be no big deal. Today, that can be considered property damage or a safety liability. Your old treehouse project could now be a code violation.