How old is too old?

[Howmanysleepsnow]

For trick or treating?
I have 4 DC. When the eldest started secondary I decided it was too old. I don’t like teenagers trick or treating as I think it could be threatening to some people. Instead I gave him a choice of cinema with à friend (with sweets and à Halloween film) or hand out sweets at home, taking one for himself each door opening. Same with next eldest. My 3rd is now in y7 so I gave the same suggestions, which he was happy with until he invited a friend to the cinema. His friend is planning to trick or treat and invited him and his younger brother along instead. His younger brother is very keen on this too, rather than trick or treat alone (with me obviously).
AIBU to let a y7 trick or treat?

I wouldn't let any child trick or treat without an adult. If you're old enough to go trick or treating by yourself, you're too old to go trick or treating.

I would let mine come along with younger siblings when they were 11/12 if they wanted to, but they didn't. No way they were going with a group of friends for exactly the reasons mention.

I don't think it would be fair to change your rules for DC3.

I think primary age is the age really. There's a few groups of teens that do it around my area without costumes, i think that's a little off.

But i also think in my own opinion that parents should be with children while trick or treating to control their behaviour, we've had a child purposely our pumpkin over before, it puts you off giving stuff out.

Kick our pumpkin over*

Final year of trick or treating was Y7 for all of mine, and they knew it ahead of time and made the most of their last chance.

When they are old enough to do it themselves without an adult.

Because once they go alone, it becomes anti-social and harassment.

When the adult is going with them they should be accompanied to houses they know are up for it.

We’ve had some very charming and polite 12/13 year olds round…but yes, generally, post primary feels different.

Primary school, I think. That said, we’ve had some fab bigger kids round. I’m always surprised by descriptions of Halloween on here which make it sound like The Purge, because where we are it’s a really lovely evening.