Growing up in the 80s was something else! I grew up in a suburb in Adelaide and went to primary school regardless of the weather. Rain, shine, freezing cold or stinking hot—we were there in our uniforms, with our school hats on (eventually), lunchboxes in hand, and not a single complaint. There were no “mental health days” or sleep-ins. You went to school. That was it.
Dinner time was at 6pm sharp—none of this “what do you feel like?” business. You ate what was served, usually chops, mashed potatoes and three veg. Bedtime was around 8 or 9, and when you were sent to bed, you went. No iPads, no TV, no negotiating. Just lights out, doona up, and maybe a Judy Blume book if you were game.
How much simpler the 80s were. Source: Supplied
Fast food was a treat. A real treat. We’re talking birthdays or if Mum couldn’t be bothered cooking. Dino’s Dial a Pizza used to deliver with a giant red phone on the roof—it was iconic. Pizza Hut had submarines (yes, SUBMARINES!), and Hungry Jacks had the Yumbo—melted ham and cheese in a bun that felt like gourmet dining to our little tastebuds.
The moment you got home from school, you peeled off your school clothes and chucked on your “home” clothes—usually an old t-shirt, shorts or trackies. There was no lounging around in your uniform, and absolutely no way would you wear your uniform to the shops after hours. We walked home too, often up to half an hour, rain or shine, usually chatting with friends or dawdling past milk bars with just enough coins for a redskin or a Choo Choo Bar.
At home it was chores and homework first. The house phone lived in the kitchen, complete with a curly cord. Private convos? Forget it.
TV time? Four channels, no remote. You had to get up and turn the dial. Getting a VCR with a corded remote felt like living in the future.
Gaming was Atari or Intellivision. Cassette tapes loaded games with that ear-piercing squeal. Heaven help you if someone bumped it mid-load.
The 1980s were a decade full of freedom, funky fashion, and the rapid rise of new technologies. For kids growing up in Australia, it was an exciting time when the world seemed vast, possibilities were endless, and life felt simple.
We played outside, all the time. Cracked footpaths, billy carts, river hangs. No “playdates”—just “Mum, I’m going to so-and-so’s!” shouted as we ran out the door.
Games? Marbles, hopscotch, blanket forts, dolls, matchbox cars, and made-up rules. Imagination ruled.
Rainy day = inside play. But never say “I’m bored.” That earned a swift “I’ll find something for you to do!”
The Technology Transition: From Cassettes to CDs
Growing up in the 80s meant witnessing some of the biggest tech transitions. Cassette tapes gave way to CDs, Walkmans took over from clunky stereos, and before we knew it, personal computers were creeping into homes. We also got our hands on home gaming consoles like Atari, Nintendo and Intellivision, with basic AF graphics but somehow back then they were the bees knees!
We went from roller skating to rollerblading, disco to pop, rock ‘n’ roll to hair bands, and power ballads. The 80s were defined by the constant evolution of culture and style.
Music was cassette tapes and foam-padded Walkmans. You’d sit by the radio, ready to record the ultimate mix tape, DJ chatter and all.
Retro Resurgence Like, Totally Awesome!
Yes. I said it. The 80’s are now retro. I know. I’m as shocked as you. It feels like the 80’s were yesterday, not 40 years ago. As an 80s baby, I am beyond psyched to see parts of my favourite decade making a serious comeback. Social media is buzzing with 80s nostalgia, and it feels like a flashback every time I scroll through, with iconic music, throwback movie references, and 80s icons embracing the medium.
Video game arcades are popping up again, and stepping into one is like walking back into my childhood. Sure, some things can stay in the past (looking at you, mullets), but the 80s resurgence is a rad blast from the past that has me feeling all kinds of nostalgic.
It’s like someone hit rewind on life. The bands we grew up with—Def Leppard, Boy George, Extreme, and even New Kids on the Block—are hitting the road again, belting out those iconic songs. And this time, I actually understand the lyrics!
The corner shop was a daily stop. Milk, bread, and a 20c mixed lolly bag. We ate chocolate cigarettes and collected stickers from a cigarette brand. Wild.
Dinner was non-negotiable. No second meals. Eat your veggies or no dessert. We drank tap water and had both the milkman and Loy’s man deliver to our door.
Saturday mornings = cartoons and cereal. Saturday night? Young Talent Time. Romper Room, praying Miss Helena would say your name. And Countdown on the ABC.
The Truth About 80s Freedom
Sure, the 80s were full of wild adventures and free-range childhoods, but let’s not forget the risks. We rode bikes, ran through sprinklers, played spotlight. We stayed out until the street lights flicked on. That was your curfew.
We weren’t afraid. Not of bugs, not of the dark, not of getting dirty. Scrape your knee? Cry and move on.
Adults were respected. Misbehave and it got back to Mum. There were consequences—wooden spoons, thongs, or the legendary wooden hand.
These were the good days. And I mean really good. No filters. No pressure. Just fun, freedom, and friendships that still make my heart warm.
But looking back, it’s easy to see that the era’s relaxed approach to safety might make modern parents cringe. We didn’t have a “Do you know where your children are?” late-night announcement like the US, but “stranger danger” campaigns and increasing crime rates added a layer of caution that often goes unspoken in the fond memories of our wild childhoods.
That being said, not every parent was chill about it. Many still had rules in place, but they weren’t glued to their kids like modern-day helicopter and unicorn parents. They trusted us to get home safely in a world without smartphones or social media. And, mostly, we did. The 80s were a time of balancing freedom with a growing awareness of the dangers that came with it, and while we lived with more risks, we also enjoyed more independence.
The 80s were a vibe
The 80s weren’t just a decade—they were an attitude. A vibe. And seeing it all make a comeback today is like opening a time capsule of neon dreams. From cassette tapes to CDs, bike rides to Nintendo, our childhoods were filled with adventure, music, and just the right amount of danger. Sure, we didn’t have iPads or TikTok, but we had something that feels just as valuable now—memories of when life was simpler, the world seemed bigger, and childhood was totally bitchin’.
So what did this bring up for you? What did you love most about growing up as a kid?
