Fluctuating hormones, navigating relationships, and college applications are part of the usual growing pains associated with being a teenager. Add to the mix a poor economy, climate change, and a polarizing political climate, teenagers have valid reasons to be stressed out.
What’s wrong with letting them put down the books and relive their childhoods?
Halloween allows people to escape the monotony of their daily lives. Costumes are a fun way to express oneself, while still following social norms.
The holiday allows much room for creative expression. Participants may design their own costume or purchase one.
This celebration should not be limited to only children. Children go trick-or-treating and adults may attend parties. Teenagers, as long as they are respectful, should be allowed to do the same.
Adolescents should be allowed to have a carefree night reminiscent of their pasts. Teenagers are at a strange point in their lives where they are not fully adults but are not children. Allow them to dress up and escape their real-life anxieties and fears. After all, children don’t own a monopoly on fun.
Some may argue that teenagers are too old to be participating in the event. However, other than their physical appearance teenagers are not so different than children.
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the brain is not fully mature until approximately 25 years of age.
Teenagers are not old enough to drink and most do not have their own vehicle. This means going to a party is most likely not an option. Trick-or-treating offers a safe and local alternative to parties.
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are estimated to spend $9 billion on Halloween. Out of that $9 billion, an estimated $2.6 billion will be spent on candy and $3.2 billion will be spent on costumes.
Clearly, Americans, as a whole, are invested in the holiday. If a teenager is willing to spend their time, money, and effort in putting together a costume and going out, they deserve to trick-or-treat in peace.
Maybe their parent purchased their costume, but it still required effort and planning. If a kid is committed enough to go through all that trouble, why not give them some candy?