How Old is too Old? (Trick or treating)

Festivities were in full swing this past fall as Orem High students began to cement plans for how they would celebrate Halloween. Many students were considering whether they were too old for trick or treating. So at what age do high schoolers typically stop? According to interviews and speculation, there are three phases people go through.

In the first phase, they start loving and being super involved at grades 1-7th. Although in the second phase as they make their way to middle school, most begin to stop in 8th grade. According to many, 8th-9th grade is the height of teenage development. Leading many to believe they are too old/ too mature for something like trick or treating. This key decision takes around half if not more of our traditional door knocking enthusiasts. For those that still wanted to go, plans may have changed if many of their friends decided to stop. In our third phase, after arriving into high school that’s where things get a little tricky. After the trials of middle school we see a split of the demographic into an additional three new different groups.
(Long time trick or treaters, those that are “too old to do it”, and the party goers.)

Some main reasons for why many high schoolers believe they are too old is because parents have told them so, or that those answering the doors will judge them if they don’t appear young enough. An additional belief is teenagers are not meant for trick or treating, an idea that the tradition is exclusively meant for kids. The struggle of being in high school is being expected to act like adults while still being treated like a kid, or in some instances vise versa. While many teachers do their best to set good and healthy standards it is well known that many parents are quick to judge.

High schoolers that believe they are too old to go typically spend their Halloween answering doors or occasionally finding themselves at a party and leaving early. While some dress up at school for the fun of it, you won’t really see them dressed up once the school day is over. A number of these people are more likely to enjoy other holidays more.

This leads into our next group that I like to call “party goers”, people that still want to do something for Halloween other than answering or knocking on doors. Their reasons for not trick or treating are very similar to the reasons just discussed. These kinds of individuals don’t necessarily exclusively go to parties; they can be those that watch scary movies with friends, go to haunted houses, and things in a similar spirit. The major difference is that they don’t want to go trick or treating unless dragged to do so. Upon interviewing of those that go to parties, quite a few of them would say something similar to “ If i’m not allowed or can’t go trick or treating. I might as well go to or throw a party”. It’s safe to assume that a good portion may simply prefer parties, but within that same group many go because they feel as though they aren’t welcome anywhere else.

Finally we have our trick or treaters. They love going out and knocking on doors, not just for a sweet treat but to get the chance to hang out with lots of friends. When kids make it to high school you will rarely see them trick or treating by themselves. It’s almost a requirement to have others come along with you or else they feel as if they face the judgement and long night alone. The whole group is socializing and laughing together finding ways to grow closer together. The group has a common goal in mind that unites them even further. At the end of a night candy trades and exchanges occur as the pillow cases are emptied and all of the hard work is displayed for the whole group to admire. For highschoolers it’s not all about the candy it’s about the friends and family you’re with. Most can obviously go to the store and buy as much candy as they want whenever they want, but to them that’s not the point. Others take little siblings, cousins, nieces or nephews trick or treating if no group to join is apparent.
For those that have no one to tag along with they either decide they are too old or join the Party Goers. Most long time trick or treaters believe once you graduate highschool when you are too old.

In summary, out of 88 surveyed students 41 still enjoyed trick or treating, going with their family and friends, while 47 made other plans for the night. When it comes to what age is too old, 19 and up is a safe bet unless taking younger siblings. As long as you have a group of friends to go with and aren’t afraid of getting judged, any age in high school will do just fine. For the parents out there, don’t judge those giving it a shot. They don’t get to be young forever, and they just want to feel like a kid again.

Bio
Latest Posts

Hhudson

This is Hudson Heath. He loves business, baseball, writing, acting, photography, singing, dancing, and most of all people. He is drawn to stories to tell and takes time to empathize and look out for people around him. He strives to tell the truth and give accurate information. Hudson wants us and those around him to know that they don’t have to stand alone when life gives its toughest battles.