1. Candy Cigarettes
Back in the ’80s, kids had candy cigarettes in their lunch boxes, and they were all the rage. With the white candy sticks that mimicked real cigarettes, they made us feel grown-up and rebellious, even though we were just biting into sugary sweet treats. The innocent act of pretending to smoke was a strange form of nostalgia, but today, candy cigarettes are seen as promoting bad habits and unhealthy behaviors. In a world that’s more health-conscious and aware of the dangers of smoking, this candy has been long phased out from stores.
While it may have seemed harmless at the time, those candy cigarettes are now considered inappropriate for children. Many argue that the candy’s resemblance to smoking only normalizes the act in the minds of kids. Schools today would never tolerate candy that could send such a mixed message, and parents are much more vigilant about what their children are exposed to. What once seemed like a fun treat is now a relic of a more carefree, yet misguided, era.
2. Trapper Keepers
The iconic Trapper Keeper was every ’80s kid’s must-have school accessory. With its velcro closure and bold designs, it was the ultimate binder to keep your papers neat and organized. For some, it was all about the fun, wild patterns and vibrant colors, often featuring neon designs or favorite cartoon characters. But today, these ultra-flashy binders are considered a bit of an eyesore in a world that leans towards minimalism and less clutter.
As school trends have evolved, the over-the-top Trapper Keeper has become a bit of a nostalgic oddity. Today, kids are more likely to carry slim, simple folders or use digital tools to organize their work. The notion of carrying around a bulky binder with loud patterns just doesn’t fit into modern classroom aesthetics, and it’s now considered a bit too much for the current school environment.
3. Slap Bracelets
Ah, slap bracelets—those colorful, metal bands that kids would “slap” onto their wrists, and with a satisfying snap, they’d curve around to fit perfectly. They were the epitome of ’80s fashion, often decorated with funky patterns or neon colors. However, it didn’t take long for schools to realize these seemingly harmless accessories were actually a safety hazard. The metal inside could cause injuries if the bracelet broke open, making them a big no-no in today’s schools.
While they were fun to wear and trade with friends, slap bracelets quickly became banned in most places due to safety concerns. The joy of snapping them onto your wrist just wasn’t worth the potential for cuts and bruises. In a time when safety is a top priority, these bracelets just don’t make the cut anymore.
4. Furby
Furby, the robotic toy that seemed to have a life of its own, was one of the most popular toys in the ’90s, but it made its mark in the late ’80s as a precursor to the techy toys of the future. These creatures were supposed to “learn” words and behaviors, making them both fascinating and slightly creepy. While they were fun at first, they also became a major distraction in the classroom. Teachers quickly realized that Furby’s constant talking (often in a garbled language) was disruptive to lessons.
In today’s schools, the noise and potential for distractions are more strictly regulated. Kids who try to bring in such tech toys would likely find themselves told to leave them at home. With advancements in tech, Furby now seems outdated, and the idea of a classroom full of these chatting toys is a far cry from the quiet, focused environments schools strive for today.
5. Walkmans
The ’80s were the golden age for portable music players, and the Walkman was the ultimate gadget for kids. Slipping on your headphones and listening to your favorite cassette tape during a long bus ride or lunch break was the height of coolness. But today, with the prevalence of smartphones and wireless earbuds, the bulky Walkman has become obsolete. Schools now generally discourage personal music players during class, especially those that could distract students from their studies.
Additionally, with so many distractions already built into kids’ phones, the Walkman just can’t compete. It might bring back some fond memories, but bringing one into class today would likely get you some strange looks. Now, students are more likely to be glued to their smartphones, listening to music quietly or watching videos, though even that can be frowned upon.
6. Plastic Pencil Boxes
In the ’80s, the colorful plastic pencil boxes were an essential item in every student’s backpack. They were perfect for storing your pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and whatever else you’d need for a day of school. But in today’s classrooms, the overstuffed pencil box has been replaced by sleeker, more streamlined pencil cases. Not only are the old plastic boxes bulky, but they also contribute to unnecessary clutter.
Teachers and students alike now prefer more functional and minimalistic storage options, such as slim pencil cases or pouches that fit more easily into backpacks. The once-loved plastic box now feels like an outdated accessory, taking up too much space and offering too little practical use. What was once the height of school supply organization now feels like an excess that just doesn’t fit into today’s more organized classrooms.
