Remember the good old days when we could have fun without a care in the world? Back then, we didn’t think twice about some of the activities we enjoyed. But times have changed, and what used to be harmless fun is now considered risky business. These are 20 activities we used to love that are now deemed dangerous.
Riding Bikes Without Helmets
According to The Guardian, “the great majority of UK cyclists ride helmeted,” but it wasn’t always the case – back in the day, riding bikes was a carefree activity. We’d speed down the street, feeling the wind in our hair and the thrill of the ride. Helmets were an optional accessory, often considered uncool or unnecessary. Now, it’s unthinkable to hop on a bike without strapping on a helmet.
Playing on Metal Slides
Who could forget the excitement of climbing up a towering metal slide at the playground? The feeling of accomplishment as you reached the top and the exhilarating rush as you slid down was unbeatable. However, metal slides could become scorching hot in the sun, posing burn risks. Today, playgrounds are fitted with plastic slides that stay cool.
Drinking from the Garden Hose
Nothing was more refreshing on a hot summer day than a gulp of water straight from the garden hose. It was an easy way to quench our thirst while playing outside, but nowadays, concerns about chemicals in the hose material and bacteria make this a less appealing option.
Driving Without Seatbelts
There was a time when seatbelts were seen as optional rather than essential, and many of us remember long car trips where we moved freely about the back seat, sometimes even lying down for a nap. Modern laws and a better understanding of car crash dynamics have changed this.
Climbing Trees
Climbing trees was a rite of passage for many children, offering a sense of adventure and accomplishment. We’d spend hours scaling branches, building forts, and enjoying the view from above. Today, the risk of falling and sustaining serious injuries has made parents more cautious. Many discourage tree climbing, opting for safer, ground-level activities.
Using Lawn Darts
Lawn darts, or ‘jarts,’ were a popular backyard game involving heavy, pointed darts thrown at a target. While it was fun, it was also dangerous. The sharp darts could cause serious injuries if they missed their mark. Lawn darts have since been banned or redesigned with safety in mind.
Roller Skating Without Pads
A favourite pastime of many kids was roller skating, often done without any protective gear – we’d glide around the neighbourhood, sometimes taking a tumble or two. Today, it’s hard to imagine letting kids skate without helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. Safety gear helps prevent fractures and other injuries, making skating a safer activity for everyone.
Sitting in the Front Seat as a Child
Sitting in the front seat of the car was a big deal for kids. It made us feel grown-up and important. Now, we understand that the front seat is the most dangerous place for young children in the event of a crash. Laws have been implemented to ensure children ride in the back seat, properly secured in car or booster seats.
Playing with Fireworks
Another thrilling, albeit dangerous, experience was playing with fireworks, often done with little regard for safety. We’d light sparklers, Roman candles, and other fireworks, marvelling at the colourful displays, but now fireworks are handled with much more caution. Many areas have strict regulations as professional displays are encouraged to prevent accidents.
Drinking Fizzy Drinks Daily
Soft drinks were a staple in many households, enjoyed with meals or as a treat, and we didn’t think much about the sugar content or the potential health effects. Today, we’re more aware of the risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, such as obesity and diabetes.
Jumping from High Dives
At the local swimming pool, high dives provided a thrilling challenge, including the rush of leaping from such heights. However, the risk of serious injury from a bad landing has led to many high dives being removed. Modern pools focus on safer water activities, ensuring that fun in the sun doesn’t come with a trip to the emergency room.
Playing with BB Guns
BB guns were a popular toy for many kids, used in games of target shooting or mock battles. While they seemed harmless, BB guns could cause serious injuries, especially to the eyes. Nowadays, parents are more likely to steer kids towards safer alternatives, such as Nerf guns or laser tag.
Hitchhiking
This was once a common way to get around, especially for adventurous teens and young adults. Hitchhiking was seen as an economical and spontaneous way to travel. However, the dangers of getting into a stranger’s car have become more apparent, and personal safety concerns have now made hitchhiking a rarity.
Playing in Abandoned Buildings
Exploring abandoned buildings was a favourite pastime for many, offering a sense of mystery and adventure. We’d navigate through crumbling structures, imagining the stories they held. Today, the risks of injury from unstable structures, hazardous materials, and the potential for encountering unsavoury characters have made such explorations inadvisable.
Smoking
Enjoyed by people of all ages, smoking was once seen as a glamorous and socially acceptable activity, with the long-term health risks, including cancer and heart disease, not being widely acknowledged. Due to increased awareness and public health campaigns, smoking is now recognised as dangerous – rightly so.
Playing Without Adult Supervision
Free play without adult supervision was the norm, allowing kids to explore and learn independently – we’d roam the neighbourhood, inventing games and adventures with friends. Today, the perceived risks of abduction and injury have led to more structured and supervised activities.
Using Trampolines Without Nets
Jumping on a trampoline was a favourite activity, often done without any safety nets or padding. The thrill of bouncing high came with the risk of falling off or colliding with others. Modern trampolines are designed with safety in mind, featuring nets and cushioned edges to prevent accidents, ensuring that the fun doesn’t come with a trip to the hospital.
Walking Alone at Night
Once a routine activity, walking alone at night was just normal, whether coming home from a friend’s house or taking a late-night stroll. Today, heightened awareness of personal safety and crime has made people more cautious about being out alone after dark. Many prefer to walk in groups or use well-lit, populated routes instead.
Collecting and Playing with Sharp Objects
Did you ever collect knives, arrowheads, or other sharp objects? It was a hobby for some, often inspired by a sense of adventure or history, but playing with such items posed obvious risks. Nowadays, safety-conscious parents discourage this practice, steering children towards safer hobbies.
Engaging in Rough Play
Whether wrestling, play fighting, or engaging in contact sports without proper gear, rough play was a common way to burn off energy. However, while it was all in good fun, the potential for injuries was high, and today, organised sports with appropriate safety measures and protective equipment are the way to go.
