As many of us well know,
halloween has evolved into a notorious fall holiday. One that takes over the candy counters at grocery stores, as well as many racks at mall department stores. We all buy into it too. From kids begging for the coolest new super hero costume, to teenagers wating in tideous lines outside of haunted houses. But it's all in good fun right? We all think so. But when you look at the big picture, halloween is has got to be one of the most trust-worthy holidays out there. Many of us have been raised since we were little to not open our doors to strangers. But on one night, all simple rules of "
stranger safety" seem to be cast away. We, without question open our doors time and time again to people in masks. Now I know that the majority of these people are kids with parents only a couple feet away awaiting their kid's return from your front porch, but still, doesn't halloween seem like the perfect opportunity for crime? And i'm not just talking about kidnap or whatever else 'crime' might entail. I remeber one history class we were watching some movie on halloween back in the day, and they mentioned that tapering of candy and drugs, as well as hiding switch blades in candy apples. Not exactly the treat you were hoping for I'm guessing.
As far as
prevention, well i'm hoping that if you're in high school, you already know how to aviod those potential crazy people out there that might look to harm you. But if you're not, or maybe you have to chaperone your little brother or siter, here are some tips according to The New York State County Crime Prevention office:
"1. Make sure your kids DO NOT ENTER THE HOUSE.
2. Have them carry glow sticks or wear reflective clothing. Therefore you can spot them in the night.
3. All costumes and masks should clearly be marked at flame resistant.
4. (For those of you who failed to abide to #3) Teach your children the STOP, DROP, and ROLL technique.
5. Children should be cautioned to run away from those who try to trick them with special treats
6. If a candy or treat has been tampered with, throw it away. (It is best to stick to store bought goodies).
7. Children should be instructed to scream and therefore make a scene if a stranger grabs them etc...
8. Accompany your children to every doorstep. Better to be safe than sorry!
9. Aviod houses is dark and suspicious lighting. "
Well I hope that this informative prompt ensures all of your safety this halloween! Good luck to all you aspiring trick-or-treaters out there.
Comments
Dear Emma, I agree with
Dear Emma,
I agree with your post because it always seemed weird to me that parents are ok with their kids going to strangers' houses asking for candy. Most parents of very young children go along for trick-or-treating, but older kids, while bigger, seem just as likely to be victimized in some way on this holiday. Would people be willing to have their kids ringing strangers' doorbells on other occasions? I'm reminded a bit of selling girl scout cookies back in the day, because I know I sold them alone at least a few times, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I think it's a legitimate point that practices such as these aren't that advisable. However, the paranoia about Halloween sometimes seems to get out of hand. In your article you said
"And i'm not just talking about kidnap or whatever else 'crime' might entail. I remeber one history class we were watching some movie on halloween back in the day, and they mentioned that tapering of candy and drugs, as well as hiding switch blades in candy apples. Not exactly the treat you were hoping for I'm guessing." While I think this is a really valid point, because I certainly wouldn't want to eat any kind of blade, I think sometimes people obsess over these possibilities when in reality things like these have only happened once or twice in the history of the holiday. I would be inclined to think that predators and psychopaths are just as likely to strike on any other day of the year. I don't know if that means we should be less concerned on Halloween, or more concerned the rest of the year.
Regardless, I really enjoyed your post and I'm glad you brought it up. I look forward to hearing more posts from you and I hope you have a good (and safe) Halloween!
I enjoyed your post. I
I enjoyed your post. I definitely think that many people are too trusting when it comes to halloween. People need to be aware of the potential dangers of the holiday and thank you for your work on elucidating a number of ways for parents to keep their families safe this year.