Teens look to candy bags of perpetual youth on Halloween

Every year, the trick or treat demographic seems to shift. Some bag-toting candy barons badly need a shave while others are a few whiskers from scoring that sweet AARP card. So, how old is too old? Considering the Halloween tradition kicks off today at 5 pm, it’s probably time to revisit the conversation.

There isn’t a definite law in most states that determines an age limit, so it’s really all up to personal opinion. Since there isn’t a legal answer, what is the moral answer here? Is there one?

Well, being an adult is definitely too old to trick or treat and the line could and should be drawn there. If those ‘adults’ really want to keep hauling in the sugary loot, they can do so as chaperones looking for mercy handouts. However, children below 18 years of age should be able to decide for themselves whether or not they want to continue this century-long tradition here in the United States as well as several other cultures. 

Trick or treating has been a tradition in America since the 1920’s, but it has been around long before then. Early Roman Catholics allegedly started this ritual and the British followed along during the 1700’s. It has been a fun activity for children on all-hallows eve for a while. 

Although trick or treating has historically been an activity aimed towards children, teens have a hard time letting go. Once a child starts to grow up into those adolescent years, they still want to feel that joy. Trick or treating allows kids to hold onto childhood. But when is it acceptable to cut them off and say no more candy?

Although many people lean towards 13 or 14 years old for the cut off, trick or treating should be something accessible to any kid who wants candy. How can someone be told that they aren’t allowed to experience the best part about Halloween, considering the wide spectrum of maturity prevalent throughout middle and high school students?

That being said, there should be obvious expectations among the older crowd. For example, dress code expectations should be taken into account. The costumes of the older trick or treaters should be appropriate and not purposefully “too scary” for the younger audience. As long as intentions are good and the costume is appropriate, there’s no real issue. 

Arguments are made all the time against teens trick or treating. Teens could “taint” the innocence of Halloween with illegal substances or activity: vandalism of houses, stealing all the candy, bullying, etc. These are all valid concerns considering that teens are notorious for stirring the pot and causing trouble, especially with the power dynamic that occurs between younger and the older kids. However, anybody can vandalize or commit a crime; this desire felt by parents of younger kids to completely stop bad-doings during trick or treating would have to mean that it shouldn’t be permitted for anyone.

Kids up to the age of 17 should all be able to have a choice whether or not they want to trick or treat tonight. It’s important that teens be respectful and polite while doing so: wear a fun costume that’s not too scary, don’t steal anything or take too much, but most of all, have fun.

By Sophia Rigoni

Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue II

October 31 2022