Lisa O
In the 60s, there was a cultural revolution, iconic music, and, let’s be real, some pretty weird rules for teens. By the end of the push for freedom, it was clear that the fight was just as much about breaking loose from these crazy restrictions as it was about changing society as a whole. Here are 20 absurd rules every teen in the 60s had to follow.
Curfews Were Strict and Non-Negotiable
Parents and schools enforced strict curfews, often as early as 9 PM. There was no wiggle room—being late, even by a few minutes, could mean serious punishment for you. Teens who snuck in past their curfew often climbed through windows or tiptoed through dark hallways, hoping to avoid the wrath of their parents. Getting caught? That could mean no social outings for weeks.
No Jeans at School
Denim wasn’t the fashion staple it is today. It was considered the outfit of troublemakers and rebels, thanks to icons like James Dean. Many schools banned jeans altogether, so students had to wear “respectable” clothes—usually stiff dress pants for boys and skirts or dresses for girls. Some kids even kept a pair of jeans in their lockers to change into after school to reclaim a bit of freedom.
Dating Was a Formal Affair
Forget texting or casual hangouts—dating in the ’60s was practically a job interview. Boys were expected to ask girls out with well-rehearsed charm, meet the parents (awkward handshakes included), and have a set itinerary. Oh, and chaperones were often required. If you tried sneaking a kiss, there was a good chance someone would be watching, ready to report back to Mom and Dad.
Hair Length Rules Were Serious Business
For boys, having long hair was basically a rebellion against society. Schools often set strict guidelines on how short hair had to be, and if your hair touched your collar or covered your ears, you might be sent to the barber. Some teachers even kept rulers handy to measure hair length. Showing up with a Beatles-inspired mop top? You’d better prepare for a lecture—or a forced haircut.
Girls Couldn’t Wear Pants in Many Schools
Imagine having to trudge to school in a skirt when it was snowing outside. That was the reality for most girls in the ’60s. Pants were considered improper and too masculine. Even gym classes required skirts, though some schools allowed bloomers underneath. When schools finally relaxed the rules, it felt like a revolution—but it didn’t happen until later in the decade.
Segregated Proms and Dances
In parts of the U.S., segregation was still the law. That means all Black and white students had separate proms and dances. These events were a glaring example of the deep-rooted racism of the time. Integration didn’t fully take hold until much later, and even then, it was met with fierce resistance.
No Rock ‘n’ Roll in School Dances
Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry may have dominated the charts, but their music wasn’t welcome at many school dances. Administrators feared that the provocative beats would encourage “inappropriate” behavior. DJs were often forced to stick to safer options, like waltzes and swing music. Teens who loved rock ‘n’ roll had to find underground parties or sneak off to sock hops, where the real fun happened.
Mandatory Home Economics for Girls
Girls were funneled into home economics classes, where they learned how to cook and clean instead of focusing on academics or careers. The curriculum wasn’t about personal growth. It was about training future wives and mothers. Meanwhile, boys took shop classes to learn woodworking and mechanics. Girls with ambitions outside the home often faced ridicule or discouragement.
Shop Class Was for Boys Only
Gender roles were so rigid that girls weren’t even allowed to handle tools in school. Shop class taught boys how to use power drills and build birdhouses, while girls learned how to bake pies and sew aprons (how ridiculous!). A girl showing interest in mechanics would be considered odd, and any boy asking to join home ec would get teased mercilessly.
“No Going Steady” Policies
Some schools discouraged or outright banned exclusive dating, fearing it would lead to moral decline. Couples caught holding hands or spending too much time together could be called into the principal’s office. Administrators believed “going steady” was a gateway to serious distractions—and worse. This rule was one reason secret rendezvous became so popular.
Swimming Classes Were Gender-Segregated (and Awkward)
In a lot of boys’ swimming classes, they had to swim completely naked. The reasoning? People believed it kept the pool water cleaner. Unsurprisingly, this left plenty of boys feeling embarrassed and awkward. Meanwhile, girls wore ultra-conservative swimsuits that covered as much as humanly possible. These rules made swimming more about feeling uncomfortable than actually having fun.
Talking Back Was Practically a Crime
Respecting your elders wasn’t just expected—it was practically the law. Talking back to a teacher or even a neighbor could get you into serious trouble, with punishments ranging from extra chores to a good old-fashioned paddling. Yep,some schools still used paddles, and many parents were totally on board with it. Speaking your mind or challenging authority? That wasn’t considered brave—it was straight-up rebellious.
Church Attendance Was Non-Negotiable
Sundays weren’t for sleeping in. Families took church attendance seriously, and teens were expected to dress up and behave. Skipping service wasn’t an option unless you were seriously ill. Even then, some parents would drag their kids to the pews. Missing church could lead to lectures about morals and eternal consequences—heavy stuff for a teenager.
No Mixed-Gender Study Groups
In the 1960s, studying with friends of the opposite sex wasn’t always encouraged, especially in conservative households or communities. While schools didn’t usually enforce this as a rule, social norms and parental expectations often made mixed-gender study groups rare. For many teens, working on school projects together meant navigating judgment or sneaking around societal expectations.
Strict Rules on Hairstyles for Girls
While boys dealt with short hair mandates, girls had their own set of hair rules. Certain styles—like short pixie cuts or wild, teased hair—were seen as inappropriate. The “perfect” look often involved time-consuming curlers and hairspray. Girls who pushed the boundaries with daring styles risked disapproving looks from teachers and parents alike.
Part-Time Jobs Were Rare for Girls
Society didn’t exactly encourage teenage girls to earn their own money. While boys delivered newspapers or worked at gas stations, girls were expected to stay home and help with chores. If a girl did get a job, it was usually babysitting or working as a waitress—roles that reinforced traditional gender norms.
TV Shows Had to Be Family-Friendly
Parents kept a tight grip on what their kids watched. Anything with rebellious characters or edgy themes was a big no-no. Family-friendly shows like Leave It to Beaver and Father Knows Best were the gold standard for “appropriate”entertainment, while anything that even hinted at counterculture raised plenty of eyebrows and concern.
Girls Couldn’t Ask Boys Out
The dating game was pretty one-sided. Girls weren’t supposed to show interest first, let alone ask a guy out. That would be so forward. Teen girls had to wait for boys to make the first move, which was super frustrating. As we said before, if a girl broke this rule, she risked being called “forward,” and trust me, that was not a compliment.
No Public Displays of Affection
Holding hands, hugging each other, or kissing in public was totally off-limits. Schools and parents made sure to enforce these rules with strict warnings. Even a quick kiss on the cheek could start gossip and get you in trouble. Lots of couples had to sneak off just to get a little privacy.
Prom Dresses Had to Be Modest
Prom wasn’t just about dancing—it was a chance to show off all the social rules. Schools usually had strict dress codes, banning anything too revealing. Dresses had to have modest necklines, the right skirt lengths, and no bold cuts. Fashion choices were closely watched, and if you didn’t follow the rules, you might get sent home before the first dance.