Trick or treating is something most children look forward to here in the UK but at what age does it become socially unacceptable to knock on strangers doors and demand free sweets?
Opinions range from as soon as children hit their teenage years to there being no limit as long as they've made an effort by dressing up and they are respectful. As I trick or treated tonight around my area with friends, opinions varied from neighbourhoods. Some gave us strange looks or commented on our age while others chatted to us in a friendly manner and offered the sweets we were after. I have interviewed my classmates to reveal some opinions on appropriate ages to trick or treat as the tradition starts to end for many teenage classmates.
At what age do you think trick or treating should stop?
‘Never. Some people never get to experience trick or treating until they are older because of strict parents and religious backgrounds.’ - Evelina Dikteriovaite
‘Perhaps 16 or 18 as you are basically an independent adult who shouldn't need to beg for free sweets.’- Alice Ibbott
‘12. Having teenagers knocking on your door can be quite frightening because they are capable of physical harm and can turn into a nuisance.’ - Georgia Higgins
What are your opinions on laws some cities have put in place to prevent those above 12 or 14 trick or treating?
‘I don't agree with those laws. Again some people never get to experience trick or treating until they are teenagers and it's just wrong to just assume that they are dangerous and antisocial.’ - Evelina Dikteriovaite
‘I could see how they can be useful in situations where trick or treating is dangerous in the neighbourhood but I don't think it should be the responsibility of the law to decide a single age.’ - Alice Ibbott
‘I agree that certain communities would need those laws. Where I live (Lewisham), drugs and antisocial behaviour are a problem and it's unpleasant to have rowdy teenagers demanding sweets with no respect.’ - Georgia Higgins
