18 Things from Childhood That Were Way More Dangerous Than We Realized
Growing up in the past decades often meant playing with toys and using items that seemed completely normal at the time. Many of those things, however, were actually far more dangerous than we ever knew. What seemed like harmless fun could have easily led to injury, illness, or worse.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Childhood in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s brought countless memories, but it also came with some hidden hazards. From toys with sharp edges to household items filled with toxic materials, kids were surrounded by risks that went largely unnoticed. While many of these dangers are no longer common today, it’s eye-opening to see what was once considered safe. Reflecting on them shows how far child safety has come.
1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Engin Akyurt on Pexels
Lawn darts were heavy, metal-tipped toys thrown high into the air toward a plastic target on the ground. Unfortunately, they could easily hit people and cause serious injuries or even death. They were eventually banned, but not before many children ended up in the emergency room.
2. Metal Playgrounds
Caleb Oquendo on Pexels
Many playgrounds used to be made entirely of metal, which got scorching hot in the sun and was full of sharp corners. Falling off meant landing on hard surfaces, such as asphalt or concrete, rather than soft rubber or mulch. It’s no surprise that kids are often left with cuts, bruises, or even broken bones.
3. Asbestos in School Buildings
Sonny Sixteen on Pexels
Asbestos was commonly used in school construction for insulation and fireproofing. At the time, no one knew how dangerous it was to breathe in its fibers. Long-term exposure could lead to serious lung diseases and cancer.
4. Lead Paint on Toys
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Toys from decades ago often had bright colors made with lead-based paint. If children chewed on them, they could ingest toxic levels of lead. Lead poisoning affects brain development and can cause lifelong problems.
5. Trampolines Without Safety Nets
Ron Lach on Pexels
Older trampolines didn’t have enclosures or padding around the edges. Children could easily bounce off or have their limbs caught in the springs. Many accidents led to twisted ankles, concussions, or worse.
6. Mercury Thermometers
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
Glass thermometers filled with mercury were a standard household tool for decades. If they broke, the mercury would spill and release toxic vapor. Handling or inhaling it was extremely harmful, especially to young kids.
7. Clackers
Santishek on Wikimedia
Clackers were two hard acrylic balls attached by a string that made a loud sound when swung together. If used too forcefully, they could shatter and send sharp pieces flying. Kids sometimes suffered eye injuries or cuts from broken pieces.
8. Creepy Crawlers (With Metal Molds)
Berry Prince on Wikimedia
The original Creepy Crawlers toy had kids pour goo into metal molds heated by a plug-in oven. The molds could get dangerously hot and would cause burns. There were a few safety features to prevent accidents.
9. Easy-Bake Ovens
JGKlein on Wikimedia
These toy ovens used real heat sources, like lightbulbs or heating elements, to bake treats. Kids could burn their fingers or hands while checking their food. The small door also trapped heat in a tight space, increasing the risk of burns.
10. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels
It was common to see kids riding in open truck beds during family trips or errands. There were no seatbelts, and sudden stops or turns could send someone flying out. Today, it’s illegal in many places due to the obvious dangers.
11. Slip ‘N Slides on Hard Ground
Vidal Balielo Jr. on Pexels
Running full speed and diving onto a thin sheet of plastic seemed like summer fun. However, when laid over hard ground or rocks, these slides could cause serious injuries. Many kids ended up with bruises, scrapes, or even spinal injuries.
12. Toy Guns That Looked Real
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
Toy guns used to resemble real firearms closely, but without the bright colors or orange tips that are common today. This created confusion and sometimes led to tragic misunderstandings with police or adults. It was a major safety concern at the time.
13. BB Guns
Ivan Samkov on Pexels
Marketed as a fun starter weapon for kids, BB guns could cause real harm. Eye injuries and accidental shootings were far too common. Many children used them without supervision or safety gear.
14. Candy Cigarettes
Alf van Beem on Wikimedia
These sugary treats were designed to look just like real cigarettes, normalizing smoking from a young age. Some even blew sugar dust to mimic smoke. They encouraged unhealthy habits long before kids understood the risks.
15. Riding Without Helmets
Yan Krukau on Pexels
Whether biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading, helmets were often ignored or not required. A fall could easily result in a head injury. It wasn’t until years later that wearing helmets became a common safety rule.
16. Unsafe Car Seats (or None at All)
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Car safety seats in the past were flimsy or poorly secured, if used at all. Many children simply rode in the front seat or on an adult’s lap. Accidents in those conditions were far more dangerous than today.
17. No SPF Awareness
Kindel Media on Pexels
Kids used to play outside all day with little to no sunscreen, unaware of the danger posed by UV rays. Sunburns were often treated casually, without considering the potential long-term skin damage. It wasn’t until much later that people connected childhood sunburns to an increased risk of skin cancer.
18. Homemade Go-Karts
Ayşenaz Bilgin on Pexels
Often built with spare parts and no brakes, these DIY vehicles were fast and hard to control. Kids would race them down hills with no helmets or safety gear. Crashes were common and could be severe.