5 Vital Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips for Your Teens

Before you send your teen out to brave the spooky world of Halloween, make sure to quiz them on vital safety tips. Trick-or-treating is fun most of the time. But it can also be dangerous. Remember, your teens will be out after dark and there are various safety rules that become more prevalent when night time falls.

1. Be finished by nine. After nine o'clock on Halloween is not a time when you want your teens roaming the streets. Most areas have an unspoken rule or even laws not to trick or treat after this time. There are also curfew laws. Plus, that's when the crazy drunk drivers and other criminals are going to be the most active. Remember that while kids enjoy Halloween, so do adults. And not all of those adults - or other teens who may also be out - are going to be responsible. Safety first.

2. Don't tease the little kids. "But, Ma, that's no fun!" Your teen can get into trouble teasing the younger kids or stealing their candy. It's harassment and it's also just mean. If they can't get any candy trick-or-treating, then perhaps they are too old. If they ask nicely, perhaps little brother or sister won't mind sharing. You could also buy them their own or let them hand out candy to the younger set.

3. Wear reflective clothing or use flashlights. Black and other dark colors are popular on Halloween. Be sure the teens wear something reflective and/or carry flashlights on Halloween for their safety. Glow sticks and other light sources that can be worn are a great for this. Drivers can see the teens more easily if they are wearing something reflective or using a light source.

4. Be sure that masks don't block vision. Some masks and other costume gear can block vision or lower it immensely. Make sure before teens go out that they can see from left to right without having to rotate. They also should be able to see in front of them. Give them a quick finger check test by holding up various fingers at different angles. They might roll their eyes at you and groan, but at least you'll know their safe. Besides, they are likely secretly loving the fact that you care.

5. Safety comes in numbers. Be sure that your teenager is not going to be trick-or-treating alone or with just one other person. They should be making it a group event. Anyone trying to act ill-willed toward someone is more likely to target those who are separate from the crowd.