With Halloween just around the corner, we’ve gathered some Halloween safety tips from Pediatrics Consultant 360 for parents and older children going trick-or-treating without parental supervision.
- It is recommended to provide adult supervision for children under the age of 12 years. Still, the age at which it is safe for a child to trick-or-treat without supervision should be determined on a case-by-case basis on the child’s maturity level & the maturity level of the other children in the group.
- Make sure your kids avoid the use of cell phones or other devices that might distract them from walking and/or driving safely while trick-or-treating.
- Especially while trick-or-treating at night, consider costumers that are bright and easily seen or place reflective tape on outfits & bags.
- For older children trick-or-treating without parental supervision, provide glow sticks and flashlights for added safety.
- Trick-or-treat throughout known households in communities with sidewalks or bike paths.
- Adults, drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
- Be sure to check treat for signs of tampering (although this rarely occurs) and enjoy only treats that are properly sealed in the original packaging.
- Avoid treats that are super sticky & encourage proper dental hygiene practices.
- Set a limit to the amount of candy to be consumed each day or consider donating some.