Some Towns Are Banning Teen Trick Or Treaters
Newser says some towns in the U.S. ban older teenagers from trick-or-treating. Chesapeake, Virginia used to threaten trick-or-treaters over 12 with jail time, but removed the threat in 2019. The age limits aim to prevent disturbances and ensure younger children have a chance to get candy. Newser says Belleville, Illinois and Portsmouth, Virginia are just two of the cities that crack down on teenage trick-or-treaters
I understand the reasoning behind some towns banning older teenagers from trick-or-treating, which is often aimed at preventing disturbances and ensuring that younger children can enjoy the holiday safely. However, I can see how some people might disagree with these restrictions. Their perspective might be:
- Celebrating Halloween is not limited to a specific age group: Halloween is a festive holiday that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Banning teenagers from participating in a harmless activity like trick-or-treating may seem unfair and overly restrictive.
- It fosters community and inclusivity: Allowing teenagers to participate in trick-or-treating can encourage a sense of community and inclusivity. It provides an opportunity for neighbors to interact and build stronger bonds with the younger generation, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
- Teaching responsibility and social skills: Halloween can be an opportunity for older teenagers to learn responsibility by supervising younger siblings or friends. It can also help them develop social skills by interacting with their neighbors and the community in a fun and lighthearted setting.
- The focus should be on behavior, not age: Instead of setting age limits, it may be more appropriate to address issues related to disruptive behavior. Enforcing rules about appropriate conduct, curfews, and respecting others’ property can help maintain a peaceful Halloween environment without excluding older teenagers.
In summary, while there are valid reasons for some towns to restrict teenage trick-or-treaters, there are also arguments against such bans, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, community, and individual behavior over age limits. In my opinion, Halloween should be a time for all ages to enjoy. Fostering community, responsibility, and respectful behavior can create a better holiday for everyone.
