Is it inappropriate for teenagers to go trick or treating? Graphic by: Salene Dang

Are high schoolers too old to trick or treat?

On Oct. 31, children run around from house to house, knocking on the doors of their neighbors and saying three memorable words, “Trick or treat.” As children, every Halloween was an opportunity to get out of the house with friends and collect candy, but as we’ve gotten older the tradition has become more and more uncertain. Why? Some adults and peers see it as unfit for teenagers to continue the annual tradition. They see it as inappropriate, that teenagers should act their age and leave the candy to the younger kids. 

For many, growing up entails transitioning from trick or treating with family to going to parties with friends. But many high schoolers remain split on the appropriateness of going trick or treating when the holiday is primarily targeted to younger audiences. Leah Murphy ‘25 said, “No [high schoolers aren’t too old]. I love trick or treating. I love going to random people’s houses.” 

Madi Sisk, ‘25 said, “If you think you’re too old to trick or treat, that’s stupid. No one’s ever too old for trick or treating.” Students who continue to partake in the activity despite being considered an older teenager are adamant about further participating in the annual tradition and plan to continue participating regardless of age, enjoying the thrill of dressing up and collecting candy around the community. “I don’t care if I’m 24, I will be out there [trick or treating],” said Sisk.

On the other side of the conundrum, there are students who find it weird for older kids to partake in these traditions aimed at the youth. They argue it’s inappropriate and unfair for high schoolers to participate in the activity.  Peyton Dahl ‘25 said, “I feel like it’s a fun activity to do with your friends but at the same time, go in the Keys where there’s more older people. Because when you’re in the smaller neighborhoods, it’s like little kids, which makes it awkward.” An older kid, approaching adulthood, being seen in an area with primarily younger kids can occasionally come off as odd and sometimes even dangerous. Dahl said, “It’s giving pedophile [when young adults go trick treating around young children].”

In terms of candy supply, students have agreed that if one does decide to trick or treat, they are not taking candy from younger kids. They argue that younger kids don’t need the excess sugar. Dahl said, “ [My younger sister] comes home with a pillowcase full to the brim and she can never finish it. So no, it wouldn’t be like taking candy from kids.” At the end of the day, trick or treating is a fun activity to enjoy with friends, but as one gets older, it’s important to be careful of the message one gives off by participating in the activity.