The 1970s were a time of rebellion, cultural shifts, and a certain “wild west” mentality when it came to school supplies and everyday school life. Back then, the rules were different, and many items that were common in schoolbags would now be considered safety hazards or grounds for immediate expulsion.
Today, strict policies and heightened safety protocols have replaced the laid-back atmosphere of the past, making what was once normal now a potential violation of school rules.
In this article, we’ll explore 6 iconic 70s school supplies that were part of the classroom experience but would likely get you expelled today.
Clackers
Clackers, also known as Ker-Bangers, were a popular toy in the 70s that involved swinging two heavy acrylic balls on a string. While fun, they were also dangerous, often shattering into plastic shrapnel, which could cause serious injury.
As a result, the FDA banned them in 1971 due to the mechanical hazards they presented. Today, bringing clackers to school would not only get you expelled but also potentially result in injury lawsuits.
Why It Would Get You Expelled:
- Dangerous Design: Clackers were banned due to their safety risks, including the potential for serious injury.
- Liability: Bringing banned or hazardous toys to school could lead to legal action, including expulsion.
Lawn Darts
Lawn darts, with their sharp metal tips, were once a favorite outdoor activity at school picnics and field days. However, these dangerous toys led to multiple injuries and even fatalities, prompting the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban them in 1988.
If you brought a set of lawn darts to school today, you wouldn’t just face a suspension, you’d be charged with possessing a lethal weapon.
Why It Would Get You Expelled:
- Safety Hazard: Lawn darts are considered a dangerous toy with the potential for serious injury.
- Legal Implications: Possessing lawn darts today could lead to legal consequences, as they are banned under federal law.
Toy Guns
Playing with toy guns, cap guns, or even mimicking gun gestures was a normal part of playground life in the 70s. However, with the rise of school shootings and increasing safety concerns, schools have adopted zero-tolerance policies regarding anything that resembles a weapon.
Even a plastic bubble gun or a “finger gun” gesture could lead to expulsion or police involvement in today’s climate.
Why It Would Get You Expelled:
- Perceived Threat: Schools treat any imitation of weapons as a serious threat, regardless of intent.
- Zero-Tolerance Policies: These policies eliminate any discretion for administrators and mandate immediate suspension or expulsion for weapon-like behavior.
Metal Lunchboxes
Those classic metal lunchboxes that carried our sandwiches and snacks were once a source of schoolyard pride. But in the 70s, these lunchboxes were also used as blunt-force weapons during playground disputes. After several high-profile incidents, metal lunchboxes were eventually banned, giving way to safer plastic and vinyl versions.
If you were to bring a vintage metal lunchbox to school today, it could lead to suspension or worse, especially if it’s used in a scuffle.
Why It Would Get You Expelled:
- Potential for Violence: Schools now see metal lunchboxes as a safety risk due to their heavy, blunt structure.
- Weaponization: Using a lunchbox as a weapon, even in a playful fight, can lead to serious disciplinary actions
Rubber Cement
In the 70s, rubber cement was a staple in art classrooms. The smell of solvent-based adhesives was something most kids fondly remember. However, what was once considered an essential tool for crafting is now seen as a health hazard. Rubber cement contains n-hexane, a neurotoxin, and inhaling the fumes can lead to severe health issues like nerve damage.
Modern schools now use non-toxic, water-based glues, recognizing the risks associated with the old formulas.
Why It Would Get You Expelled:
- Health Risks: Inhalant abuse (huffing) is a serious concern, and using solvent-based adhesives in classrooms is now strictly prohibited.
- Substance Abuse Policies: Schools treat items like rubber cement as potential substances for abuse, making them a violation of school safety regulations.
Candy Cigarettes
In the 70s, candy cigarettes were a popular novelty, especially for children who mimicked their smoking parents. While these candy sticks weren’t actually tobacco products, they were often the first introduction to the idea of smoking.
Today, candy cigarettes are banned in most schools as they are seen as promoting smoking and normalizing tobacco use among minors.
Why It Would Get You Expelled:
- Imitation Tobacco Products: Schools now treat candy cigarettes as part of the “look-alike” drug policy, leading to suspension for promoting tobacco culture.
- Health Concerns: With increased awareness of the dangers of smoking, any item that could encourage smoking behavior is considered a violation of student conduct policies.
Conclusion
School supplies that once represented fun and creativity now carry risks that are not just disciplinary but also health and safety concerns. Items like pocket knives, toy guns, and lawn darts, which were once part of everyday school life, would now be considered violations of zero-tolerance policies that prioritize safety above all else.
While we may miss the simpler times when kids had more freedom, the shift in school culture reflects a need for greater security and responsibility. The important lesson here is that what we once deemed harmless could now be grounds for immediate expulsion, highlighting the stark contrast between past and present school environments.
