But despite that lack of mobile phones, there are good number of ways in which those children who grew up in Sheffield in the 1970s and the 1980s had it better than the children who are growing up in the city today.
And to prove it, we have put together a list of 13 ways in which those who were growing up all those years ago had things that today’s youngsters are missing out on.
Some are long gone – others have been lost in more recent years. Which ones do you miss most? And do you have things that you would add to this list?
5. Yorkshire playing at Abbeydale
Up until the 1990s, Yorkshire played county cricket matches in Sheffield, with games played at Abbeyday. This picture shows action from Yorkshire v Kent in 1980. Matches now are mainly played at Headingly, with a few at Scarborough. Youngsters could watch first class crickets without a lengthy travel Photo: Ian Soutar
6. Redgates
Redgates was the iconic Sheffield toy shop for decades before its closure in the 1980s. Even today, if you grew up in Sheffield in the 70s or 80s you'll probably remember exactly where in the shop you'd find your favourite toys.. Mandy Nunn and electronic toys at Redgates, Sheffield November 1979 Photo: ©Sheffield Newspapers Ltd
7. The snooker room at Meynell Road Youth Club, Sheffield - 24th October 1967
This picture shows youngsters at Meynell Road Youth Club, Sheffield. Youth clubs were run at many schools in the 70s and 80s but are less widespread now. Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
8. Bingham Park pitch n putt
Bingham Park pitch and putt was popular with youngsters - but a nightmare to play. Typically for Sheffield, many holes were on slopes, and the ball would tend to roll much of the way down the hill. It is now closed. The file picture shows the entrance to Bingham Park. Picture: Google Photo: Google