It’s that time of year again, time for decorating your home with scary decor and buying up all the candy in the grocery store. It’s almost Halloween. As this enjoyable fall holiday approaches something else resurfaces in the talk of trick or treaters:  Are teenangers too old for trick or treating?

Teenagers aren’t going to be kids for long, they are in between childhood and adulthood. Soon we will have our own families, mortgages, and careers to worry about. We always are put in the middle having people telling us either to “grow up” or that “we aren’t old enough.”  We might look like small adults, but inside we are still just kids.

Another reason why we aren’t too old for trick or treating is that it is wholesome and harmless fun. Having a bunch of adolescents knocking on doors in zombie or vampire costumes is exponentially  better then things we could be doing, such as going out to Halloween parties and being exposed to worse things than a pillowcase full of candy. Having a day where we can experience a wholesome activity such as trick or treating, dressing in costumes and hanging out with friends is a great way to celebrate Halloween.

Teens get a bad rap. People complain about how teens are alway playing video games or are constantly on their phones, yet when we finally go outside, they say “you’re too old.” Going trick or treating takes us off our phones and also promotes more social interactions like chatting with neighbors and making memories with friends.  

Little kids also like it when teenagers go out and trick or treat. They think it’s safer to have older kids on the street alongside them as they get their candy.  When asked the question:  “Do you mind teenagers trick or treating alongside you on the 31st?” Adrian Lewis, Age 12, said: “I don’t care about teenagers trick or treating because it actually makes it safer, because my older sister is trick or treating with me to make sure i don’t get lost and stuff.”

While there are arguments for both sides, whether you’re on the side of the teens or the grouchy boomers,  I think that trick or treating isn’t only for little kids. Teens can enjoy it as well. Having harmless fun, making costumes, and enjoying the holiday in a safe way by trick or treating is a great way for teens to enjoy the autumn season. And when you see a teenager dressed up in a scary costume don’t judge them,  hand over that king-sized snickers bar with a friendly smile and a “Happy Halloween!”