Things Our Parents Did That Would Go Viral If Social Media Existed Then

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Things were different back in the day. Life seemed simpler, rules were more relaxed, and social media didn’t exist to chronicle everything. But what if today’s technology documented how our parents lived? Some of their perfectly normal activities would likely go viral and cause an internet frenzy now.

No Seat Belts, No Problem

Seat belts? What are those? There was a time when hopping into a car and zooming off without buckling up was the norm. Today, a video of kids bouncing around freely in the back seat would surely ignite a firestorm of criticism.

Riding Bikes Helmet-Free

Helmets? Those were for extreme sports, not the everyday bike ride around the neighborhood. A clip of a group of kids cycling without helmets today would surely prompt a wave of comments about safety and responsible parenting.

Using Actual Encyclopedias for Homework

Before the age of Google, kids turned to hefty encyclopedia volumes to research for school projects. A photo of a child surrounded by open books, taking notes the old-fashioned way, would surely evoke a mix of nostalgia and surprise in today’s digital age.

Using Leashes on Kids

Back in the day, it wasn’t uncommon to see a child tethered to a parent with a leash, especially in crowded places. Today, a photo of this would spark a heated debate about parenting styles, child safety, and freedom.

Smoking Everywhere Even in Cars with Kids

Imagine the uproar if a parent today posted a picture of themselves smoking in a car with their kids in the backseat, windows up. Back then, it was just another drive.

Letting Kids Roam Freely

Children of the past had the freedom to roam their neighborhoods, play in the streets, and return home when the streetlights came on. Today, a video of kids playing unsupervised might lead to a flood of concerned comments.

Unsafe Baby Gear

Vintage baby gear, from cribs with wide slats to car seats that were little more than baskets, would horrify modern parents. A picture of a baby in such gear would surely go viral for all the wrong reasons.

Wild Playground Equipment

Remember those towering metal slides that became scorching hot in the sun? Or merry-go-rounds that spun at dizzying speeds? A video of kids playing on these would have viewers gasping in horror.

Kids in the Back of Pick-Up Trucks

It was a different time when kids could ride in the back of a pick-up truck, wind in their hair, without a care in the world. Today, such a sight would prompt immediate calls of concern.

DIY Fireworks Shows

Homemade fireworks displays, often involving questionable safety measures, were a staple of many childhoods. A video of one of these events would surely attract attention and concern today.

Questionable Fashion Choices

Mullets, bell-bottoms, and platform shoes might be seen as quirky throwbacks now, but imagine the memes and comments they’d inspire if they were first introduced in the age of social media!

Using Kids as Remote Controls

“Hey, change the channel!” Before remote controls were common, kids often played the role. A post joking about this might get laughs and nostalgic comments from those who remember.

Lawn Darts and Other Dangerous Toys

Toys of the past weren’t always subjected to rigorous safety testing. A video of kids playing a game of lawn darts, with their sharp metal tips, would surely go viral with a mix of nostalgia and shock.

Unsupervised Adventures

Stories of kids taking off on bikes for hours, building forts in the woods, or embarking on other unsupervised adventures would be met with disbelief and envy by today’s over-scheduled youth.

Casual Attitude Towards Sun Protection

Tanning oil instead of sunscreen? Lying out in the sun for hours? Past sunbathing habits would certainly raise eyebrows and concerns about skin health in today’s online community.

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