Every year, teenagers show up to doors in their local neighborhoods with high hopes, a pillowcase for candy clutched in their hands, and are faced with the devastating question: “Aren’t you too old to be trick or treating?”

This question plagues the minds and hearts of teens as we grow and mature into adulthood, but in reality, trick or treating isn’t about age, it’s about mindset. We at the Seahawk’s Eye believe that trick or treating is a timeless tradition, one that should only be turned in with the label of being an official “adult”, at 18.

Trick or treating is a staple of the year for all children. It’s the reason they look forward to October, with the arrival of fall, the epic candy haul gained from Halloween night is legendary.

As kids, we all used to spend months planning costumes, pumpkin carving, and dreaming about how much candy we’ll be able to pig out on for the big night. However, as one matures, fears of being judged and seen as “uncool” for celebrating the holiday, become more and more prevalent. 

Nowadays, teenagers want to go to Halloween parties, trading their favorite character costumes in for plain and generic ones that defeat the entire purpose of dressing up. Trick or treating is seen less among teens, excluding the ones lucky enough to have a younger sibling to use as an excuse to partake in one’s favorite Halloween traditions.

As the years progress, Halloween becomes less like a night to look forward to, and more like just another day. 

It is the most humbling and heartbreaking experience to show up to a house as a teen, all dressed up and giddy, just for the person that opens the door to make it clear that they believe their candy should be saved for a younger audience. 

There should not be an age limit on fun, trick or treating that needs to be equally available to all children, rather than a select group that passes for “cute enough” to get candy.

After all, being on the streets trick or treating saves teens from getting themselves into more “adult” trouble, that might risk their freedom and maybe even their lives. Trick or treating provides a safe avenue for kids to have a bit of innocent fun with friends, soaking up the last bits of childhood. 

Once a kid reaches adulthood, there’s no going back. As a grown up, trick or treating is not even an option, so once one reaches the age of 18, their Halloween fun has unfortunately drawn to a close. You only live once, so you might as well take your last opportunity to act like a kid before it’s gone forever. If you don’t, you’ll regret it. 

Telling teens they’re “too old” to take part in an enjoyable activity, is sending the wrong message. It’s forcing them into adulthood before they are formally even there, which is unfair and prejudiced.

The Seahawk’s Eye strongly supports teens in their trick or treating endeavors, and we emphasize the need for inclusivity in Halloween. So, until you’re old enough to vote, you’re still not too old to snag a Snickers on the 31st.