18 Childhood Traditions That Would Be Considered Unsafe Today
These old-school childhood traditions might have been fun then, but they would raise eyebrows or alarms today.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
A lot of things kids used to do wouldn’t fly now. Some where risky, some just had no safety rules, and others were flat-out dangerous. This list looks back at 18 childhood habits that seemed normal but would probably be banned or frowned on today. Times gave definitely changed.
1. Hoop Rolling on City Streets
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Kids used to roll big metal or wooden hoops down sidewalks just for fun. Sometimes, the hoops hit people, horses, or windows, which could cause injury to someone. Over time, city leaders and parents said it was too risky and began banning it.
2. British Bulldog Mayhem
Pranavsinh suratia on Pexels
In this old playground game, one person in the middle tries to stop players by tackling them. It was very rough and caused many kids to get hurt, like broken arms or bruised faces. After serious injuries, many schools banned it or made it a no-contact chase game.
3. Lawn Darts (“Jarts”)
Mushy on Wikimedia Commons
These were large darts kids threw into the air to land in a ring on the grass. The darts had sharp metal tips and sometimes hit people instead. After many accidents, the toy was banned in several countries.
4. Playing with Fire: Snapdragon
Qualcomm on Wikimedia Commons
This game had kids pick raisins out of flaming brandy using their fingers. It was often played at Christmas and felt exciting at the time. However, it led to burns, so most families stopped doing it.
5. The Choking Game
Anna Shvets on Pexels
Some kids tried to make themselves pass out to feel dizzy or funny. This was very dangerous and even led to brain damage or death. Many schools and parents started warning others after some kids died.
6. Classic Tag, Now Restricted
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Tag used to be a common game at recess, but it caused lots of bumps and falls. Some schools banned it after serious injuries occurred. Today, some places only allow softer or slower versions of tag.
7. Charlie Charlie Supernatural Dare
Yunshui on Wikimedia Commons
Kids balanced pencils and asked scary questions, trying to “talk” to spirits. It spread fast online, but it scared some kids too much. Some schools even banned it because it caused panic in classrooms.
8. Vintage Wiffle Ball Controversy
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Stewart on Wikimedia Commons
Wiffle ball was seen as safe, but one law once listed it as too risky. That law was meant to prevent injuries in youth sports. People laughed at the idea, and it was later changed.
9. Obstacle-Free Outdoor Play
Dan Papworth on Wikimedia Commons
Kids used to build their own forts and climb trees without anyone watching. There were no safety rules, helmets, or adults around. Now, most parents would never allow that kind of risky play.
10. Vintage Halloween Costumes
davef3138 on Wikimedia Commons
Old Halloween masks were made of paper, glue, or plastic that caught fire easily. Some made kids itch or feel sick, too. Today’s costumes must pass safety checks and be made with better materials.
11. Child Labor on Farms & Mills
Hine, Lewis Wickes; National Child Labor Committee Collection on Wikimedia Commons
Many kids worked long hours on farms or in factories. The jobs were hard and dangerous, with no breaks or safety tools. These days, child labor like that is illegal in many places.
12. Playing with Knives (Butterfly Effect)
Radwan Menzer on Pexels
Some kids brought butter knives or small blades to school just to show off. Even if they did not use them, it made others feel unsafe. Now, most schools have a zero-tolerance policy for anything sharp.
13. Throwing Bricks or Rocks
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Some kids used to throw bricks, rocks, or even knives just to see where they landed. It often ended in injuries or broken windows. Adults rarely stopped it unless someone got seriously hurt.
14. Aqua Dots Ingested as Candy
Nick_Connolly (talk) (Uploads) on Wikimedia Commons
These colorful toy beads looked like candy and were fun for crafts. However, some contained chemicals that became toxic when ingested. Many children became ill, and the product was subsequently pulled from stores.
15. Chasing Ghosts Online
Ron Lach on Pexels
Some games online dared kids to contact ghosts or complete creepy challenges. These often caused fear or anxiety. Some even led to harmful behavior, so parents started limiting screen time.
16. Dangerous Vintage Toys
Lynuetyeang UV2002 on Wikimedia Commons
Older toys had sharp parts, small pieces, or unsafe paint. Kids loved them, but many caused cuts or choking. Today, toy manufacturers must follow strict safety guidelines before selling any product.
17. Unsanitized Swimming Spots
Balaram Mahalder on Wikimedia Commons
Kids once swam in ponds, rivers, or ditches without knowing if the water was clean. They sometimes got sick from bacteria or hidden trash. Now, most parents only allow their children to swim in safe, tested pools or beaches.
18. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels
Many kids used to ride in the open back of pickup trucks for fun. There were no seatbelts or safety rules, and some kids fell out during turns or bumps. Now, most places have laws against it because it is too dangerous.