17 Things Kids Did in the ’90s That Would Be Banned Now
These '90s childhood habits might seem harmless, but today, they'd probably get banned, flagged, or frowned upon.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Kids in the ’90s got away with a lot more than kids do now. Games were rougher, toys were riskier, and rules were looser. This list looks back at things ’90s kids did that would not fly today.
1. Playing Tag at Recess
EJ Fox (“pseudoplacebo”) from Circleville, United States on Wikimedia Commons
Once a staple of school playgrounds, tag has been banned in some schools due to concerns over injuries and bullying. The game’s physical nature and the potential for exclusion have led to its decline in modern educational settings.
2. Biking Without Helmets
Quintin Gellar on Pexels
In the ’90s, it was common to see kids riding bikes without helmets. Today, helmet laws and safety campaigns have made this a rare sight, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
3. Playing with Pogs
Jewel457 on Wikimedia Commons
Pogs were a popular game involving collectible cardboard discs. However, concerns over gambling elements and classroom distractions led many schools to ban them.
4. Making Prank Calls
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Before caller ID, prank calls were a mischievous pastime. Today, they’re considered harassment and can have legal consequences, reflecting changes in privacy expectations.
5. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Vika Glitter on Pexels
Once a common sight, children riding in truck beds is now illegal in many places due to safety concerns. The practice has been largely phased out to prevent injuries.
6. Playing Red Rover
Kyra Malicse on Wikimedia Commons
Red Rover was a game where kids ran and tried to break through other kids holding hands. However, it often caused kids to fall or get hurt. That’s why many schools stopped letting kids play it.
7. Yo-Yo Tricks in Class
Mike Tigas on Wikimedia Commons
Yo-yos were fun to play with, but they caused problems in class. Kids would get distracted or accidentally hit someone. That’s why many schools banned them.
8. Playing with Lawn Darts
Jasonbook99 on Wikimedia Commons
Lawn darts, or Jarts, were metal-tipped darts used in outdoor games. Due to numerous injuries, they were banned in the U.S. in the late 1980s.
9. Wearing Slap Bracelets
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Slap bracelets were a fashion trend that doubled as a toy. However, concerns over injuries from exposed metal led to their ban in many schools.
10. Climbing Trees
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Climbing trees used to be something lots of kids did for fun. However, schools and parks began to worry about kids falling and getting hurt. Now, it is not allowed in many places.
11. Playing Unsupervised
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In the ’90s, kids often played outside without any adults watching them. People were not as worried back then. Now, safety concerns have made that much less common.
12. Playing with BB Guns
Olaf Gradin from Gainesville, GA, USA on Wikimedia Commons
BB guns used to be popular toys for kids. However, because they can be dangerous and look too much like real guns, many places have banned or restricted them.
13. Setting Off Fireworks
Gazebo on Wikimedia Commons
Kids used to light fireworks during celebrations, and no one gave it a second thought. However, because they can cause serious injuries, many places now have strict rules or full bans.
14. Running Through Sprinklers on School Grounds
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Kids used to love riding in the back of pickup trucks for fun. It felt exciting, but it was also very risky. Now, most places have laws that make it illegal to keep kids safe.
15. Collecting and Trading Toy Guns
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Kids often collected and traded toy guns that looked very real. Now, many schools ban them because they can cause confusion and safety concerns.
16. Drinking From the Garden Hose
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Kids used to grab a drink straight from the garden hose on hot days. Now, parents worry about water quality and chemicals, so it’s not encouraged anymore.
17. Jumping Off Swings Mid-Air
Krivec Ales on Pexels
Leaping off swings while flying high used to be part of the fun. However, schools started banning it after too many kids got hurt trying to land cool tricks.