Words: Caroline Chu

Most people seem to agree that adolescence is a time when the line between childhood and adulthood is blurred. Fall has leapt into full height, which raises the question about whether or not high school students are too old to trick-or-treat. The answer stemming from the teens themselves is a resounding “no.”

“Trick-or-treating was created to have fun with friends,” freshman Leina Maeda said.

Teenagers deserve to celebrate Halloween at its fullest potential like anyone else, which consists of the nearly hundred year-old practice of trick-or-treating.

Adolescence brings out a need for companionship, and any activity done with friends can benefit a teenager. It is widely known that humans need individuals that share common interests, and celebrating Halloween could be one such interest.

Some adults also agree that teenagers can trick-or-treat, as long as they respect boundaries.

“It’s important they respect the kids out in the neighborhood and the people handing out the candy,” Abigail Holleman, a Centennial parent, stated. “It’s fine [that teenagers trick-or-treat] if they do so.” 

These restrictions are typical of children under high-school age too, and teenagers can more easily follow these rules expected from society. Most high school students have already learned how to respect others, and can more easily put together costumes.

Tom Zong, a Centennial senior, believes that high schoolers “should be allowed the opportunity to try to hold onto their childhoods as they gradually slip away,” he says, referring to allowing teenagers to trick-or-treat.

Many students are stressed about school, high-pressure extracurriculars, college admissions, or all three, and appreciate being able to take a break.

Handing out a few extra treats isn’t much of a big deal. Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy a year for Halloween, as stated by the Huffington Post, and handing out an extra half-pound of candy per household doesn’t make a huge difference.

When considering if students are too old to trick-or-treat, remember that by allowing them to do so you are promoting mental health in the nation, age equality, and generally making people happier.

The weather getting colder is supposed to draw forth the spirit of sharing and joy, and letting high schoolers trick-or-treat draws forth that spirit to an even greater extent.

Sophomore Mallika Kadabha believes “Trick-or-treating doesn’t have an age limit.” After all, high-schoolers are still children by law.

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