When Are Kids Too Old to Trick-or-Treat? Here’s What People Think

Is there an expiration date on free candy? A new survey has sparked debate over one of Halloween’s most controversial questions: How old is too old to go trick-or-treating?

According to the poll, 12 years old is the most popular cutoff, with 12% of people saying that’s when kids should hang up their pillowcases. Coming in close behind are ages 13, 14, 15, and 16. A tiny but shockingly stern 5% think 10 is too old, which sounds like the kind of rule made by someone who also yells at clouds.

But here’s the twist: the most popular answer by far wasn’t an age at all.

A full 26% of people said there shouldn’t be an age limit for trick-or-treating at all. So if your 17-year-old cousin shows up in a killer costume, maybe don’t slam the door in his face.

Of course, enthusiasm tends to go down if the costume is just a hoodie and a muttered “I’m a serial killer, they look like everyone else.” Effort matters, people.

And while we’re on the subject of Halloween etiquette, the survey also asked what people plan to do when trick-or-treaters come knocking. Good news: 61% say they’ll be handing out candy like the Halloween heroes they are. Another 21% admit they’ll be pretending not to be home, and 10% say they’re still undecided (possibly waiting to see how many mini Snickers they can eat before the 31st). Then there’s the 2% of cold-hearted ghouls who say they’ll answer the door just to tell kids they’re not giving out candy. Bold move.

Whether you’re team “free candy for all ages” or firmly in the “12 and under only” camp, one thing’s for sure: Halloween continues to stir up strong opinions.

And if you’re a teenager hoping to keep the tradition alive, maybe just skip the hoodie and go all in on something spooky, funny, or clever.

After all, candy tastes better when it’s earned with a little effort.