October 31st, millions of people’s favorite holiday, is also a day that comes with many dangers that teenagers should be aware of. Although many people believe that finding drugs or needles in candy is the biggest threat, in reality, according to National Public Radio (NPR), there has been no evidence found of injuries or deaths caused by candy tampering. There is less of a chance to find issues in your candy from trick-or-treating, then there is being in unsafe situations. However, it is still important for parents to check their children’s candy to ensure that their candy has not been interfered with in any suspicious manner. Candy that has been opened, is expired, or looks like it is not safe for consumption, should be immediately thrown away.
Some of the most recognizable dangers of Halloween include people partaking in violent acts especially now with the influence of social media, kidnapping, traffic issues, or being out with strangers. Other common issues could arise from teenagers attending Halloween parties. However, these issues could be avoided as long as both teenagers and parents take safety precautions.
One of the biggest ways that kids of all ages can ensure their safety is by staying away from strangers and avoiding any interaction with them. This could include: avoiding parties hosted by people you don’t know and hanging out with unsafe people, or simply steering clear of communication with strangers. Secondly, people should be mindful of what they record or what Halloween themed social media trends they participate in because these can be taken out of context, flipped to be used against you, or dangerous for you and or the ones around you. Lastly, surrounding yourself with trustworthy people and going out with a reliable group on Halloween is a key way to keep yourself in safe situations. Going out by yourself, especially during the nighttime, is never a good idea due to the amount of dangers that come along with it.
“I think the best thing parents can do is be the parent in this situation, especially around Halloween time. Just monitoring what their kids are doing, where they’re going, who they’re going with,” said Mrs. Unique Murphy, Ohio County Schools Communities in Schools (CIS) social worker.
Parents can also make efforts to make certain that their children are in safe situations on the night of Halloween. Making sure that children are with trusted people or in safe surroundings are some of the most important ways that parents can help their children. Children should make sure they communicate with their parents, guardians, or trusted adults on what their plans will be, who they will be with, and what safety plans they can establish incase they are in conditions that they would need help in.
“A lot of the activities we go into, there needs to be safety plans there. If something happens, this is what I’m going to do,” said Dr. Jill Maloney, Mental Health Specialist at Wheeling Park High School.
Having a code word or phrase can be a helpful tool that can be practiced between a child and a trusted adult. Establishing a word that you can tell them at any time, can be helpful in communicating when you are in trouble or are in an unsafe or uncomfortable situation.
In the end, even though it is important for people to stay cautious and stay safe on this day, Halloween is still a holiday that people should take the opportunity to enjoy. As long as you make good decisions, keep yourself safe, stay with friends, and avoid drugs, alcohol, or any harmful substances, Halloween can day of fun, filled with dressing up, trick-or-treating, and making lifelong memories with loved ones.
“You should take caution 364 days a year and definitely the 365th, on Halloween,” said Mrs. Murphy.
