Debate sparks over age limit for trick-or-treating in central Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As central Ohio prepares to host the premiere event of the Halloween season, otherwise known as trick-or-treating, an age-old question has arisen on social media.

Just days ago, a poster on the Nextdoor app asked the community, “Is 13 too old to trick or treat?” Nearly 200 comments poured in response to the familiar query about the top age to participate in the fall tradition.

Many people felt Halloween fun should not have an age limit.

“Absolutely not. Let kids be kids as long as they can be,” said one commenter.

“No, never care their age if they are having fun and polite,” added another.

Other parents advised those handing out candy against quickly judging the age of trick-or-treaters, noting that appearances can be deceiving. One mother recalled the story of how her 12-year-old daughter, who stood 5 feet 8, was questioned about her age, despite wearing a costume and traveling with her young friends.

“I have a special needs daughter who is 27 but has the mind of a 12-year-old,” said one parent. “I DARE someone to say something.”

“My 18-year-old with special abilities is excited to get a costume,” echoed another mom. “I dare anyone to turn her away!”

Another common theme was that having kids participate in the night’s organized candy-grab was better than letting them get into mischief.

“I would rather see a 13-year-old trick-or-treating than out causing trouble on the street,” said one neighbor. “Actually, it’s kind of fun when they come to your door to talk to them for a minute about their costumes. It always seems like they’re having a lot of fun.”

“The way I see it, no matter the age, better to trick-or-treat than be out here causing problems or using drugs,” agreed another resident.

Some people felt that trick-or-treaters, regardless of their age, should adhere to a minimum standard of wearing a costume when asking for sweets.

“Not at all, but they definitely need to put some effort in and be dressed up in a costume,” suggested one person.

“All I would like to see is they put a bit of effort into a costume or makeup,” said another neighbor. “My pet peeve is these kids showing up in street clothes with a pillow case.”

Out of all the comments, not one person said 13 is too old to trick-or-treat. Currently, Ohio does not have a statewide age restriction for trick-or-treaters. Some Ohio municipalities, such as Sandusky and Broadview Heights, limit trick-or-treating to those 14 or younger and those 12 and under, respectively.