10 Social Rules Every Teen In The ’80s Had To Obey
The 1980s were a wild time to be a teenager. With neon clothes, big hair, and cassette tapes in hand, social life came with its own set of rules.
I remember my older brother spending hours perfecting his hair, knowing that looking the part was half the battle.
Whether at school or hanging out at the mall, there were unspoken codes you had to follow—everything from how you talked to how you dressed.
Being yourself was important, but fitting in meant mastering the right moves to avoid getting left behind.
1. Rock the Mullet
Back in the ’80s, the mullet was more than just a haircut; it was a lifestyle. Teens flaunted this “business in the front, party in the back” style with pride.
It wasn’t just about the look; it was about making a statement. Walking down the school hallways, you’d spot a bunch of cool kids rocking this iconic hairstyle.
Even though it might sound odd today, it was a ticket to social acceptance back then. The mullet was a rite of passage for many teens.
2. Master the Mixtape
Making the ultimate mixtape was a rite of passage for every teen. It wasn’t just about putting songs together—it was about telling a story and showing who you were.
Whether it was for a crush or a close friend, each track had to speak to the heart. I still remember carefully recording songs off the radio, waiting for the perfect moment to hit “record” before the DJ spoke.
It wasn’t easy, but the effort paid off when you ended up with a tape that felt like your personal soundtrack.
3. Dress in Neon
Neon was the color palette of the this era, and teens wore it with flair. Bright, bold colors dominated their wardrobes, from neon leggings to flashy accessories.
It was a way to stand out and make a statement. Walking into a roller rink, you’d see a sea of vibrant colors swirling around.
This wasn’t just a trend; it was a declaration of individuality. Donning neon was like proclaiming to the world that you embraced the vivacious spirit of the decade with open arms.
4. Hang Out at the Mall
The mall was the heart of teen life back in the day. It wasn’t just for shopping; it was where you went to meet up with friends, catch up on gossip, and just have fun.
I remember weekends spent roaming the halls, popping into stores, or just hanging out, feeling like I was part of something bigger. It was a place where you could escape the watchful eyes of parents and just be yourself.
Whether we were trying on the newest clothes or grabbing a snack at the food court, the mall was always buzzing with excitement and energy.
5. Perfect the Moonwalk
Michael Jackson’s moonwalk became a quintessential dance move every teen aspired to perfect. It wasn’t just a dance; it was a symbol of coolness.
Practicing it for hours in front of the mirror was a common ritual. Successfully pulling off the moonwalk at a party meant instant popularity. Friends would gather around, cheering and clapping.
The move required skill and a touch of magic, making it a must-learn for any aspiring dancer of the era.
6. Speak Like a Valley Girl
The ‘Valley Girl’ way of speaking, with its distinctive lingo and accent, swept through these years. Teens adopted phrases like “totally” and “gag me with a spoon” as part of their everyday vocabulary.
It was a fun and quirky way to communicate, adding a playful spin to conversations. Mimicking this style was a trend that spread like wildfire.
It brought a unique flavor to the language of the decade, making conversations light-hearted and entertaining. Speaking like a Valley Girl was totally a thing!
7. Attend the School Dance
School dances were a highlight for ’80s teens, a night filled with excitement and anticipation. The gym transformed into a dance floor, complete with streamers and disco balls.
Choosing the perfect outfit and finding a date were essential tasks. As the music blasted, teens would hit the floor, showing off their moves.
It was a chance to socialize, meet new people, and maybe even have a slow dance with a crush. These dances were unforgettable, creating memories that lasted a lifetime.
8. Call on the Landline
Before smartphones, the landline was everything for teens. Endless chats with friends often meant the phone cord stretched across the room, leaving barely any space to move.
It was a time when we knew phone numbers by heart and prayed the line was free when we needed it.
Calling up a friend or even a crush took a little nerve. There was something thrilling about dialing that number and hearing a friendly voice on the other end. The landline wasn’t just a tool—it was the heart of teen social life.
9. Watch Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday mornings were sacred for ’80s teens, dedicated to hours of cartoons. It was a ritual to wake up early, grab a bowl of cereal, and settle down in front of the TV.
Shows like “Transformers” and “Scooby-Doo” filled the morning airwaves. This was a time when the stresses of school melted away, replaced by animated adventures and laughter.
The tradition of Saturday morning cartoons was a cherished escape, a weekly retreat into a world of fun and imagination.
10. Collect Stickers
Sticker collecting was a beloved hobby among teens, turning simple adhesive images into prized possessions.
Albums filled with scratch-and-sniff, holographic, and puffy stickers were treasures. Trading with friends was a common pastime, each swap a mini negotiation.
The stickers adorned everything from school binders to bedroom walls. Every unique sticker added to a collection was a badge of honor, a testament to one’s dedication.