Trick-or-Treating has been a much practiced tradition for a while now. Although the tradition was created as a way to make the day a celebration rather than a night of torment, people are beginning to think that limitations should be put on who can participate and how long the night can go.

East coasts states especially are already putting laws in place to control the evening. ABC6 reported that in order to control the tricks of the evening.Virginia is implementing some of the most strict laws. Anyone at the age of 12 or in the seventh grade is not allowed to participate and anyone caught could potentially face fines or more seriously-face up to six months in jail. In North Carolina, they are enforcing a 9 p.m. curfew for all trick-or-treaters while some cities in New Jersey is considering a curfew of 7 p.m. South Carolina has a less strict rule, teenagers are legally allowed to trick-or-treat until they are 16.

Reports from law enforcement officers in Virginia state that the chances of actually being arrested for overage trick-or-treating is slim. These rules stem from community members not wanting to spend their money on teenagers because they believe the night is made specifically for young kids. Adults also report that teenagers are spending their night playing tricks on homeowners and even little kids which makes them nervous to go out. The officers will focus on the kids causing trouble but if there are older teenagers safely trick-or-treating with siblings or friends they are not likely to find any trouble.

One way to prevent the mayhem from older children, it is advised that all kids have an adult with them while they are out. Although that may seem like common sense to most, it has been reported that 12 percent of children five years old or younger go alone. This creates an environment where older kids can easily mess with young kids. Parents need to make sure they are not only with their children but also talking to them about the evening.

The argument against this rule is that it ruins the family aspect of the holiday. There are families who have young kids and possibly a young teenager as well. Are they supposed to leave their child at home? Should they choose another activity and not let the young kids participate?