It’s a controversial topic that has sparked many discussions, especially this time of year: What age is it appropriate to stop trick or treating? While some may think trick or treating is for kids, others think as long as you’re wearing a costume, you should be able to get some candy!

In a survey on TODAY.com, 46% of adults said that kids should stop trick or treating around 17 or 18, while 19% said kids should stop at the ages 15-16. Only 1% of adults said kids older than 9 should stop trick or treating. 

Here in the United States, there are technically no age limits for going trick or treating. However in Canada, they have banned anyone older than the age of 16 from trick or treating. Any rule breakers will have to pay a $200 fine. Some say that the law is necessary, while others think it’s stupid, and as long as kids of any age are polite and have nice manners, they should be allowed to go door to door. 

“The big concern I have are that younger kids get priority,” said Lizzie Post, co-president at the Emily Post Institute, on the news site al.com. “You want to make sure younger kids are getting the chance and opportunity, but I don’t want to discourage teens from enjoying this as long as they are behaving as well.” 

Some people even recommend teenagers who trick or treat should make sure their costumes aren’t too scary–nothing that can make the younger kids feel uncomfortable. Otherwise, some teenagers might wear costumes such as killer clown costumes or scary zombies. 

On SheKnows.com, Michelle Borba, an education psychologist and parenting writer suggests, “For kids who still want to trick or treat, how about going with younger sibling? Big kids helping little kids–that could be a very positive experience.”

Some people think there should be a time frame for teens to trick or treat; this way younger kids can get the opportunity to get candy, and teens also can without taking away the opportunity for younger kids. Here in Middletown, the township has instituted an 8PM curfew for both October 30 and 31.

At the end of the day, there’s no right answer to the question of how old is too old to trick or treat. At The Eagle Eye, we say trick or treat whenever–and for how long–you have fun with it!