Town bans kids over 14 from trick or treating in controversial Halloween move

Two towns in have imposed age restrictions on trick or treating ahead of , aiming to make the holiday safer. Pennsauken in Camden County has prohibited children over 14 from participating in the tradition since 2017, and this year, Upper Deerfield Township in Cumberland County has followed suit.

"Trick or treating is for kids, not adults. Anyone over the age of 14 cannot go out trick or treating, unless you're acting as a chaperone," stated Pennsauken on its website. "And unfortunately, chaperones can't ask for any candy or . They have to wait until they get home to help their kids 'sort' the candy."

Meanwhile, Upper Deerfield Township has banned older than 12 from trick or treating, although it admits that this rule has never technically been enforced and is more of a suggestion.

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New Jersey isn't alone in imposing such restrictions; counties across the US have enacted similar laws as early as the 1970s. For instance, Chesapeake, Virginia has had laws limiting trick or treating to pre-teen children since 1970 due to incidents of older teenagers harassing younger ones.

Under Chesapeake law, those who violate the age restriction law could face jail time. However, in 2019, the city council updated the law, raising the age limit from 12 to 14 and removing the potential for jail time for violations, reports .

Local officials have stated that no one has been arrested or charged under this ordinance. A recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University asked 800 Americans their thoughts on an age limit for trick or treating.

Approximately 25% of respondents believed there should be no age limit, while the rest suggested children should stop trick or treating around ages 13-14. Older participants felt kids should stop at around age 13, while younger ones thought all ages should be allowed to participate, according to the study.

The study also revealed a significant political divide, with Trump supporters 10% less likely than Harris supporters to believe people of all ages should be allowed to trick or treat. Those identifying as LGBTQ+ were more likely to say there should be no age limits on trick or treating.

The survey was conducted between Oct. 8 and 14, using a list of registered voters nationwide carried out by Braun Research of Princeton.