The wind whips and jack-o-lanterns glow as tiny ghosts and witches meander through the neighborhoods, following the aroma of candy. For many, a point comes in their lives when they feel too old to ring doorbells and wait for the Great Pumpkin. However, Halloween should not be limited to young children, but celebrated by the youth of all ages: even high schoolers. 

Trick-or-treating can be a relaxing experience for teenagers, allowing them to relive lighthearted memories from their past and have fun with friends; one example can be seniors using Halloween as a well-needed break from the strain of college applications. For many, the holiday allows them to escape from the stresses of everyday life. 

“We already face enough pressure to let go of everything we hold dear as fast as possible, and we are not going to let the people who hate fun win,” sophomore Jay Shin said. “You are never too old to go trick-or-treating. I want to see 80-year-olds trick-or-treating.”

Many high schoolers avoid the spooky festivities because they fear judgment and ridicule. This stark realization often hits after entering tenth grade when heights change and emotions become more complex, leading to students being seen less as children. 

“It’s a tradition that’s outgrown and seen as not really acceptable for older kids,” junior Kapil Ramasubramanian said. “You feel weird because you’re around so many other younger kids that are not like you. It just feels very childish.”

Although some face scrutiny from adults or peers and are intimidated by the thought of being turned away, many love to give out candy to anyone who rings the doorbell on the spooky occasion. 

Normalizing trick-or-treating for high schoolers allows them to create new memories and raid the free candy. It also keeps them out of potentially troubling or harmful situations, as they are more likely to avoid pranks that could jeopardize their safety. 

“If you’re trick-or-treating, it’s better than being at a party or doing something wrong or just roaming the streets, doing something that might hurt other people,” Spanish teacher Kari Tubbs said. “Trick-or-treating is just innocent fun, and why not allow teens to do it?”

There is no harm in allowing teenagers to dress up and enjoy their Halloween night. It is a chance for them to be creative and express themselves through fantastical makeup and elaborate costumes. 

“You’re young for such a short amount of time; live it up while you can, get all the free candy while you can, and just do it, because who cares what other people think?” Tubbs said.