High school in the 60s wasn’t just about Elvis and soda fountains—it was also full of rules that would make today’s teens laugh, groan, or run for the hills. From dress codes to strict discipline, students were expected to toe the line in ways that seem downright bizarre now. Let’s dive into 15 strange rules high schoolers in the 60s had to put up with—and maybe be thankful they’re long gone.
1. Boys Couldn’t Let Their Hair Get “Too Long”
If your hair so much as brushed your collar, you were walking on thin ice. Long hair on boys was seen as rebellious, unkempt, and even “unmanly.” Principals were like hawks, ready to pounce with scissors—or worse, a stern lecture—if your hair wasn’t neatly trimmed. It was more than just a rule, it was a battle over personal expression.
2. Girls Were Forbidden from Wearing Pants
Pants? On girls? Absolutely not. Skirts and dresses were the only acceptable options, even if it was freezing outside. And heaven forbid your hemline was too short—some schools had rulers to measure the distance from your knee. If you dared to wear pants, you weren’t just breaking the rules—you were practically staging a revolution.
3. Holding Hands Was Basically Scandalous 
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Holding your girlfriend or boyfriend’s hand in the hallway? Not on their watch. Holding hands with your boyfriend could land you in trouble, let alone hugging or kissing. Schools wanted to maintain a “proper” environment, and anything remotely romantic was seen as inappropriate.
4. Home Economics Was Mandatory for Girls
If you were a girl in the 60s, you were destined for Home Ec class. Cooking, sewing, and ironing weren’t just skills—they were considered life essentials. Meanwhile, boys got sent to shop class to learn woodworking or fix a car. The idea of girls learning “manly” skills or boys baking a cake was just plain unthinkable.
5. Dancing Was Closely Policed
Chaperones at school dances were basically undercover cops, ready to swoop in if you got too close to your dance partner. Dancing was supposed to be fun, but not too fun. Anything resembling suggestive moves—like shaking your hips or getting a little too “twisty”—could get you pulled off the dance floor faster than you could say “sock hop.”
6. Talking Back Wasn’t an Option
Disagreeing with a teacher was something that just didn’t happen. The 60s were all about respecting authority, and questioning a teacher could land you in detention—or worse. Students were expected to nod, agree, and stay quiet, even if they thought the rules were ridiculous.
7. No Gum Allowed—Ever
Chewing gum in class was treated like a serious offense. Teachers believed it was distracting, disrespectful, and a gateway to chaos. Get caught with gum, and you’d likely spend your lunchtime scraping it off the bottom of desks. Forget sneaking a piece under the radar—teachers had eyes like hawks.
8. Denim Was for Rebels, Not Students
Boys couldn’t wear jeans to school because denim was considered “too casual” or even rebellious. Slacks or khakis were the only acceptable options. Blue jeans became a symbol of counterculture later in the decade, but in the early 60s, showing up in denim was like waving a red flag in front of the administration.
9. Curfews Were Non-Negotiable
Think you’re staying out late after the big game? Think again. School-sponsored events had strict curfews, and you were expected to be home right after. Breaking curfew didn’t just mean a lecture from your parents—it could also earn you a talking-to from your principal the next day.
10. Hairstyles Had to Be “Tidy”
Unusual hairstyles or bold choices like dyed hair weren’t a thing. Boys and girls alike were expected to keep things neat and conventional. Anything too wild (and by wild, we mean slightly messy) was seen as a distraction—or worse, a rebellious statement that needed to be tamed.
11. Boys Had to Wear Ties on Certain Days
Dress codes were no joke, and for boys, that sometimes meant busting out a tie for assemblies or special events. Forgetting your tie wasn’t just a fashion faux pas—it could mean a trip to the office or being handed a ratty “loaner tie” that had seen better days. Formality wasn’t optional; it was enforced.
12. No Talking in the Lunchroom
Lunch was supposed to be a time to eat, not chat. Some schools had rules against talking during meals, because they thought it would keep things orderly. For teenagers bursting with energy and gossip, this rule felt downright cruel. Imagine sitting next to your friends but not being allowed to say a word.
13. Girls Needed Permission to Wear Makeup
Makeup wasn’t just a personal choice—it was something schools (and often parents) felt the need to regulate. Too much lipstick or eyeliner could land you in a lot of trouble, and some schools even required a parent’s note to allow makeup at all. One swipe too many, and you’d be sent to the bathroom to “fix your face.”
14. Decorating Your Locker Wasn’t Allowed
Your locker was expected to be as plain and boring as possible. Posters, photos, or decorations of any kind were usually banned. Schools saw personal touches as a distraction and wanted everything uniform. Even taping up a picture of your favorite band could get you a warning—or worse, an order to take it down immediately.
15. Pep Rally Attendance Was Mandatory
Not into school spirit? Too bad. Pep rallies were often required, and skipping one could land you in detention. It didn’t matter if you hated cheering or didn’t even know what sport the rally was for—you were expected to show up, clap along, and pretend you were having a great time.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
