By Rosie Smith
Halloween is a day away, but many high school students are still facing afear: To trick or treat or not? How old is too old?.
For many teens, Halloween offers many options for entertainment, including trick or treating. In a recent survey by the Milestone, more than half of students said there should not an age limit for trick or treating, and they also shared other alternatives to do as well.
Out of 86 responses, 13% said 13-15 years old is the age limit for trick or treating, 35% said 15-17 years old is the limit, and 51% said there should be no age limit.
Freshman Hayden Palmer, who said the limit should be 13-15, explained that candy should be left for the younger kids, specifically because older kids are able to use their own money to buy candy. “You’re taking candy from little kids that you can buy on your own,” she said. Palmer said a good alternative to trick or treating would be to host a Halloween party.
Junior Frankie Colonna, who also said that 13-15 should be the limit, shared that there comes a time to be too old for trick or treating. “I think you outgrow things once you hit a certain age, and trick or treating is one of those things,” she said. Colonna said that dressing up is also something to look forward to. “I also just love getting to be extra with my costume,” she added.
Senior Carolyn Conour, who said the limit should be 15-17, explained that the tradition is meant for younger kids. “Trick or treating is mainly for younger kids, so it’s awkward for a teenager to be trick or treating,” she said. Conour shared that hanging out with friends on Halloween night is a better alternative.
Senior Ali Strange, who also said the limit should be 15-17, said that it’s easier for older kids to go and participate in other events, “There hits a certain point where dressing up and going house to house gets kind of old and boring. The tradition of Halloween falls out as you get older and you only dress up to go to fun events,” she said. Strange said that going to Halloween parties or hanging out with friends and eating candy are good alternatives.
The state of Ohio has no age restriction on trick or treating, but some towns within Ohio do. According to “Is it legal to trick-or-treat as an adult in Ohio?” by the Cincinnati Enquirer, Sandusky and Broadview Heights limit trick or treating to those 14 and younger accompanied by an adult. The Sandusky Register published safety guidelines from the Sandusky officials for the public to follow: “Remind children that they should carry a flashlight, walk on sidewalks and driveways, cross only at corners and to never cross between parked cars. Trick-or-treaters should stay within their own neighborhoods and only go to houses that demonstrate a willingness to participate by turning their porch lights on. Neighborhoods are defined as a three-block area in all directions around the child’s home.”
Some believed that there is no limit to trick or treating and that it should be enjoyed because it’s tradition, there’s free candy, and it’s an enjoyable time.
Freshman Anna Castillo-Sang explained that free candy is a win in her book. “Candy is amazing and I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity of getting FREE candy,” she said. Castillo-Sang said another alternative could be a Halloween party but because she enjoys trick or treating, she prefers the latter.
Freshman Makayla Porter said that there is no age limit to trick or treating. “You’re never too old to have fun. why does age have to stop you?” she said.
Whether you prefer to attend a party, hang out with friends, or go trick or treating, Halloween can be a time to enjoy yourself “because you only live once,” Sophomore Ali Ducheny said.
