It's a tradition that the older generations have to hate on the younger generations for absolutely any reason they can think of. Doesn't matter what for, because it was just "better back in the day," in their logic.
Self-described "recovering academic" Jenny Bann pulled up some hilariously enlightening historical records of the behavioral problems exhibited by 18th century male students in Scotland.
Let's just say they're...less than wholesome and make Millennials look angelic in comparison.