TOO OLD TO TRICK OR TREAT?

By DILLON SULLIVAN

Did you know that in some states it is illegal for a 13 year old to go trick-or-treating on Halloween? Many cities and towns in Virginia have outlawed this very popular Halloween activity. Although it is not strictly enforced, police officers patrolling the street on Halloween have the right to arrest a 13 year old if he or she is seen trick or treating that day, which seems a bit outlandish. 

DILLON SULLIVAN FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The one state that seems to have the biggest problem with trick or treating is Virginia. Many different cities have many different laws, but the most common age for it to start being illegal to trick or treat is 13.  According to Chesapeake city code, “If any person over the age of 12 years shall engage in the activity commonly known as “trick or treat” or any other activity of similar character or nature under any name whatsoever, he or she shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $100.00 or by confinement in jail for not more than six months or both.” Although this seems like a harsh punishment for kids that just want some free candy, the law is rarely enforced, yet the act is still illegal. 

Even though kids over 12 cannot go trick or treating in Virginia, they can still act as a chaperone to a little brother or sister.  Also in Chesapeake city code, “a thirteen year old safely trick or treating with a younger sibling is not going to have any issues,” which shows that there are exceptions to the rule. Some teens may do this on Halloween to help out their parents, or even to just relive some great childhood memories.

Another question to consider is, do teens still want to go trick or treating?  Abdo Shidid, a freshman at WHS, voiced, “I don’t dress up for Halloween; I haven’t even gone trick or treating in like two years.”  With Abdo being the youngest of six, this makes sense because he will probably not go out with his 20 year old siblings. 

On the other hand, some older kids might go and trick or treat with younger siblings. “I still go trick or treating because I really enjoy dressing up as my favorite artist and turtle, Raphael...” exclaimed Clark Pelkey, a senior at WHS.  “.. and also to help out my parents since they work and I can drive.”  Yes, he may dress up and go out on Halloween to help his parents, but who’s to say he just doesn’t love the holiday as well, and who could turn down free candy? 

But not all seniors are in the same situation as Clark. Another senior at WHS, who has older and younger siblings, Damian Cavaluzzi claimed, “I haven’t gone trick or treating since I was in eighth grade. Ever since high school came around, I’m reluctant to dress up for Halloween and knock on doors and ask for candy.” 

While it might not be the most popular thing to do for teens, it is a matter of choice.   Let’s face it: trick or treating will keep teens out of trouble on Halloween night, where other teens may fall into the pressure of drinking and drugs.  In addition, many older teens have special needs, and look forward to Halloween all year.  Adults  giving out candy and treats on this day need to be aware of this so as to not disappoint these enthusiastic teens.  Halloween is a special occasion for all teens to dress up in a costume and go get some free candy!