15 School Traditions from the ’70s and ’80s That No Longer Exist
These once-common school customs have disappeared over the years, making today’s classrooms feel very different from decades past.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Schools in the ’70s and ’80s had a unique culture filled with traditions that simply wouldn’t fly today. From lax safety rules to outdated teaching methods, many of these experiences were once part of daily life but have since faded away. Here’s a look at 15 school traditions that are now relics of the past.
1. Dodgeball Without Restrictions
JESUS PERGES on Pexels
Back then, dodgeball was an intense, no-holds-barred game where kids threw rubber balls as hard as they could. Unlike today’s gentler versions, there were no “safe zones” or soft foam balls.
2. Smoking Sections for Students
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ on Pexels
It sounds unthinkable now, but some high schools actually had designated smoking areas for students. In an era when smoking was more socially acceptable, schools allowed older teens to light up between classes.
3. Filmstrip Projectors in Classrooms
Berthold Werner on Wikimedia Commons
Before digital media, filmstrips were a staple of educational presentations. Teachers would dim the lights, press play, and advance slides with a beep, often leading to students nodding off.
4. Handwritten Notes Passed in Class
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Before texting, students folded notes into intricate shapes and stealthily passed them across desks. Getting caught meant instant confiscation, but it didn’t stop kids from sharing gossip or weekend plans.
5. Paddle-Based Discipline
Daderot on Wikimedia Commons
Corporal punishment was once an accepted part of school discipline, with some teachers keeping wooden paddles in plain sight. Students who misbehaved risked getting swats, often in front of their peers.
6. Choosing Sides for Kickball
Cpl. Michelle Piehl on Wikimedia Commons
Recess games often started with two captains picking teams, leaving the less athletic kids dreading being picked last. While it was a childhood rite of passage, concerns over self-esteem and inclusivity led schools to use randomized teams instead.
7. Typing Class on Actual Typewriters
Markus Winkler on Pexels
Learning to type meant clacking away on heavy typewriters, not tapping on a digital keyboard. Mistakes required white-out or correction tape, making even simple errors a hassle.
8. Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck to School
Tech. Sgt. Cohen A. Young on Wikimedia Commons
In rural areas, it wasn’t unusual for kids to hop into the back of a pickup truck for a ride to school. While fun, it was also incredibly unsafe, and new laws eventually banned the practice.
9. Pep Rallies with Out-of-Control School Spirit
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Pep rallies in the ’70s and ’80s were loud, wild, and full of antics that would never be allowed today. Teachers often looked the other way as students climbed on bleachers, threw toilet paper, and engaged in over-the-top pranks.
10. Library Card Catalogs
Swtpc6800 on Wikimedia Commons
Researching meant flipping through dozens of tiny index cards in a massive wooden filing system. While it taught patience and organization, it was incredibly time-consuming.
11. Watching the Space Shuttle Launch Live in Class
USAG- Humphreys on Flickr
During the ’80s, schools often broadcasted NASA launches as an inspiring educational moment. Tragically, the Challenger disaster in 1986 changed that, as students across the country witnessed the heartbreaking explosion live.
12. Morning Announcements Over the PA System
Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
Each day started with a scratchy, monotone voice reading announcements over the intercom. Some schools still do this, but many have replaced PA announcements with digital message boards or pre-recorded videos.
13. Waiting by the Radio for Snow Day Announcements
F1jmm on Wikimedia Commons
Before automated calls and weather apps, kids woke up early and anxiously listened to the radio, hoping to hear their school’s name on the cancellation list. The suspense made snow days feel even more magical.
14. Book Covers Made from Grocery Bags
Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels
Students were expected to protect their textbooks, often wrapping them in brown paper bags from the local supermarket. Decorating them with doodles and stickers was a fun way to personalize school supplies.
15. Unsupervised Free Time Before the Bell
Rebecca Zaal on Pexels
Arriving early meant roaming the halls, hanging out with friends, or even playing impromptu games in the gym. Schools today have stricter supervision policies, often requiring students to stay in designated areas.