Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez,
Oct 25, (THAINDIAN NEWS) In what can only be described as as shock to teenagers in the United States, many cities have decided to impose a ban on teenagers from Trick-Or-Treating. While teenagers are in dismay over this unwelcomed surprise, their parents it seems are feeling relived. Ironic though the scenario may be for children who are categorized as teenagers, some adults feel that it is necessary to keep the children out of trouble. Trick O Treating is the custom when children dressed in Halloween costumes go from door to door asking the question “Trick or Treat”?.

The treat usually refers to a candy and trick refers to causing mischief to the house owner or his property if the treat is denied. The trick is normally an innocent and harmless threat. Many children will be missing out on the fun due to the ban imposed on Trick-Or-Treating. Belleville, a town in Illinois had its Mayor ban “Trick-Or-Treating for high school goers since 2008. The ban was formulated after a few residents complained of being intimated by older kids in masks. There are many other cities in United States that have restricted Trick-Or-Treating to children below 12 years. Violators can face a fine of $100 or months in jail.

Virginia has age limits for Trick-Or-Treating since 1970’s. Other towns which have followed suit this year in removing the trick out of treat this year are Meridian, Mississippi, Bishopville, SC, and Boonsboro, MD, among others. Whether the ban is a wise move or just some fanatical measure to keep the children out of trouble depends on one’s perception.