Growing up, I always looked forward to Halloween. I loved to dress up and get candy. As I got older, I soon realized that going trick or treating wasn’t as much fun as it used to be. Which makes me wonder: What age is too old to go trick or treating?

According to Time Magazine,”Most teenagers stop dressing up and trick-or-treating somewhere between the ages of 12 and 16 — but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad manners for them to go door to door, as long as they are polite while out on the streets” (Gajanan 2017). I think that if a teen wants to dress up and get free candy, they shouldn’t feel embarrassed. Going around and getting candy is harmless compared to what some students are doing in their free time.

“This year, I’m not going trick or treating. I don’t have the time,” said senior Morgan Nelson. Halloween festivities do take a lot of time and effort just for one night.

Similarly, some students at Midland are going to trick or treating to help out their parents and are going with their younger siblings. “I’m going trick or treating this year with my little siblings, but I’m not dressing up,” said senior Whitney Herrera.

In some states it can be considered illegal to go trick-or-treating when you are over twelve years old unless you are helping a child. According to Citylab, “In Chesapeake, Virginia, trick-or-treaters older than 12 face a fine of “not less than $25 nor more than $100 or … confinement in jail for no more than six months or both”, according to the text of a city ordinance, and “asking for candy after 8 p.m. risks a maximum fine of $100, up to 30 days in jail, or both” (Tran 2018). Some teens can be mischievous and are up to no good on Halloween, but why ruin it for everyone? Some children love to go trick-or-treating. Children and teens who have social anxiety or have an autism spectrum disorder can benefit from Halloween because they have to go up to each house and say “Trick or Treat.” These three words can be hard for some children and teens to work up the courage to say, but being in a fun costume can help reduce the anxiety. The age limit ruins this potential privilege.

“I have seen people of all ages out trick-or-treating, so it’s whatever,” said Nelson. Everyone should be able to go out and enjoy themselves on this fun holiday. Age shouldn’t be a limiting factor.

“It’s fun for the family, you are never too old,” said Herrera. It’s a family event and adults should also be allowed to get in on the fun.

However you plan to spend Halloween, I hope you enjoy this holiday, scare some people, and have some extra candy. Happy Halloween!