Tips for parents of trick-or-treaters courtesy of Cindy Janicik, EdD –former Phoenix Police Detective and Director of Public Safety Partnerships at National University.
Increase the Visibility of your Trick-or-Treater:
- Wear light-colored costumes
- Use a flashlight or a glow stick
- Reflective tape
- Light-up tennis shoes are great!
Look for Cars:
- Avoid walking back and forth, mid-street
- Remind kids to look for cars before crossing the street
- Walk on the sidewalk and not in the street
Watch Young Children:
- Explain how neighbors are still “strangers.”
- Parents should walk with young children and remind them not to go into a stranger’s home
Parental Tips for Pre-Teens and Teens
- Remind adolescents of the consequences of destructive pranks, such as vandalism or stealing Halloween decorations
Share Suspicious Neighborhood Activity through Social Media
- If you see something suspicious, let your friends and neighbors know through social media
- Share information via neighborhood social media sites, like NextDoor
Check Candy
- Check all candy/chips for marijuana markings
- The package may explicitly say “Cannabis-infused,” “THC,” or “Marijuana”
Be a Good Neighbor
- Most trick-or-treaters are out between 6-9 pm; some adolescents are walking around later with friends
- Be vigilant: Drive slowly through the neighborhood and look for kids in the street