By Adam Budd

Trick or treating, an age old tradition enjoyed by many children around the country annually on Halloween. Getting dressed up in a costume, going out with friends and getting free candy. Who wouldn’t enjoy it, right? Well, some people think that teenagers should not be trick or treating anymore. A recent survey by The Today Show revealed that 73% of the people that participated in the survey think that in between the 12-17 age range is when teens should call it quits on trick or treating.

   The question is, at what age is too old to trick or treat anyways? Many people have varying opinions on this question. There really isn’t an age when you become too old to trick or treat necessarily, but eventually most people phase out of doing it during their teenage years. According to the United States Census Bureau, 41.1 million kids between the ages of five and 14 went trick or treating on Halloween in 2017. Of course, children younger than five or older than 14 trick or treated as well, but the numbers start to dwindle once you get into the teenage years. Personally, I think you can never be too old to trick or treat.

   One town in Canada has passed a law that restricts anyone older than 16 from trick or treating due to safety concerns for the younger trick or treaters. Some may think older teens would get in the way of young children or would not be wearing “kid-friendly” outfits, but trick or treating on Halloween can be enjoyable to people of any age, and really there is no reason to stop if they are not in anyone else’s way. Anyone can be in the Halloween spirit, and it is a great opportunity to go hang out with friends.  As long as the older kids are respectful to the younger trick or treaters out on the streets, and stick to the less scary costume choices, there is no reason to not trick or treat. It can be enjoyable for everyone.

   People of all ages should be able to Trick or Treat because  Halloween is a holiday that should be open to everyone who wants to celebrate it, no matter if it is a Halloween party, which can be a great time, as well as an opportunity to hang out with friends. For the parents with an age limit on trick or treating, here are some other ideas; teens can stay at home and hand out candy to all of the trick or treaters that come by or volunteer to give underprivileged children an opportunity to go trick or treating.  These are other ways to get involved with the Halloween spirit, without trick or treating. If you enjoy trick or treating there is no reason to stop at any certain time. No matter what your age is, as long as you are being safe and respectful to everyone else out on the streets, you can go out and have a great time with friends.

Photo Provided by Creative Commons