Teenage Safety for Halloween

Halloween is a time for fun, family, friends, and of course candy. Through the act of trick or treating, children of all ages everywhere will be out and about. This is one of the most popular days of the year where anyone of any age will be able to go out and get free candy and ‘treats.’ The importance of staying safe this Halloween is not only in the hands of a parent, but in the hands of an individual. Teenagers often go out trick or treating with their friends by themselves so it is crucial to help guide these teenagers through a safe Halloween.

*Safety in Numbers*
Teenagers often go out with friends during Halloween, it is one of the safest ways for them to be safe and have a good time. Make sure that teenagers know staying with the group is the safest thing for them to do this Halloween. Friends should go up to the houses together, and meet at the end of the same driveway before moving on to the next house. If teenagers plan on going to a Halloween party, again it is important they stay with the group.

*Reflective Tape / Glow sticks*
Depending on the costume a teenager is wearing reflective tape may not be an option to their liking, so give them another option, glow sticks. Glow sticks can be found in bulk at any Halloween store, craft store, as well as at dollar stores. The glow sticks can be worn on their wrist, ankles, or around the neck as a necklace glow stick. Think of when they were kids and the glow sticks that were purchased at theme parks such as Disneyland. These were there to keep them feeling fun and funky, and help to keep them safe.

If the costume is a Disney princess, or some sort of skirt or pant suit, the reflective tape can be placed on the bottom of the legs or seams. This will in some cases add to the appeal of the costume, causing it to glow in the dark.

Glow in the dark nail polish and hair spray is also a fun and exciting way to help teenagers stand out without giving them the appeal of a ruined costume by reflective tape. These items can be found at local Wal-Mart as well as party supply stores like Party city.

*GPS*
Through technology advances and phones equipped with GPS locating devices, a teenager may be monitored through this app if concerned as to where the teenager will be. These apps can also be found through the iPhone and Android telephone devices. This would be a good thing for younger teenagers to make sure that they are going where they said, and keeping an eye on them without keeping a physical eye out.

*Curfew*
As a parent setting a curfew for the teenager is the best way to know they have a good time and are home safely at a definite time. Halloween is no different from any other night; except for they may be able to stay out later. No matter the time of curfew set, make sure the teenager knows it means to be home specifically at the set time, with of course some leniency. If a teenager is a few minutes late, no consequences are needed. Keeping their cell phone and checking in is also a simple way to make sure that teenagers are safe and having fun.

For more tips on Halloween safety for all ages the CDC has some wonderful tips. Through the safety tips mentioned above and these other tips from the CDC this Halloween will be a safe one for teenagers.