As we pass the beloved holiday of Halloween, the debate of “How old is too old to be trick or treating” arises. Some say that once a child reaches high school they should stop trick or treating, others say after age sixteen it is unnecessary to be trick or treating still, and some extremists say once a child becomes a teenager, or past age twelve, they should stop trick or treating.

    With such varying opinions, it confuses teenagers as to whether or not they should be knocking on doors for candy. The uncomfortable looks and interrogative questions ask “How old are you?” How is it fair to dictate when a child should no longer be able to trick or treat? How is it decided when a child no longer can trick or treat? Does it have to do with responsibility, maturity, or adults not wanting to spend as much money on candy? 

   I believe that a child should be able to choose when they stop trick or treating. Most stop trick-or-treating after they finish high school, and they should stop when they feel comfortable doing so. Once you have reached college, I feel that is an appropriate age and portion of your life to discontinue the childhood tradition. However, while you’re still in high school and living under the care and control of your parents or guardians you should feel more than welcome to trick-or-treat. 

   Adults should be more considerate to those who come knocking on their doors. Most of the kids coming to their doors are exactly that, kids. Whether they are teenagers or even freshly eighteen, they are still children, living at home just like all other kids running around in their Halloween costumes.