Costumes, candy, and community fun make Halloween a kid-favorite—but it can also present real safety risks if families aren’t prepared. Boys Town pediatric and behavioral health experts are encouraging parents to plan ahead so children of every age can enjoy a safe night out.
“The night’s excitement can lead to split-second decisions—darting across streets, masks that block vision, or unsafe candy swaps,” said Dr. Clara Brown, pediatrician at Boys Town National Research Hospital. “With a quick plan and a few basics such as visibility, supervision, and clear rules, families can reduce risks while keeping the fun.”
“In this generation, preparation isn’t just about flashlights,” added Dr. Christopher Blank, a Boys Town behavioral health expert. “It’s also about digital safety, group norms, and practicing how to handle tricky situations. A little role-play and a buddy plan go a long way.”
Boys Town Experts offer the following Halloween safety tips:
- Match independence to age. Under 10: An adult should accompany children door-to-door. Keep routes short and familiar. Tweens (10–12): If going without an adult, require a buddy group (3 or more kids), a set route, check-in times, and a firm curfew. Teens: Agree in advance on neighborhoods, no entering homes/garages, and expectations for respectful behavior and social media use.
- Be visible. Add reflective tape to costumes/bags and give each child a flashlight or glow stick. Choose face paint or makeup over full masks; if using a mask, make sure peripheral vision is clear.
- Use street smarts. Stick to sidewalks, cross at corners/crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers, and keep phones down when crossing. Drivers: slowdown in neighborhoods and watch for kids in dark costumes.
- Make a Buddy System Plan. Never go alone. Use the “two-up rule” (no one walks or leaves a house line alone). Designate a base adult or two who stay reachable and stationary along the route for quick help. Use simple scripts: “No thank you,” “I need to check with my adult,” and “We stay together.”
- Keep costumes safe. Hem long hems, pick comfortable shoes, and choose flame-resistant fabrics. Keep props soft and non-realistic.
- Check candy first. Inspect before eating and set aside choking hazards for younger kids. For allergies, carry meds, pre-pack safe swaps, and look for teal pumpkin homes (homes offering non-food treats).
- Prep your home for trick-or-treaters. Turn on exterior lights, clear pathways, secure pets, and use battery candles in decorations.
- Be smart online. For older kids, charge phones, enable location sharing with a parent, agree on check-ins, and avoid posting real-time locations. Remind kids they’re on camera (doorbell cameras)—no pranks, no porch running, and be respectful of property.
- Scary Movies & Sleep: If your child wants to watch spooky content, keep it age-appropriate; co-view/preview and remind kids it’s make-believe. Stop if it’s too intense. Wrap up 60–90 minutes before bed and follow a screen-free calming routine. Teach a simple coping plan (deep breaths + quick grounding), use a nightlight, and if a nightmare happens, reassure and resettle—debrief in the morning. Ongoing distress? Check with your pediatrician or a behavioral health expert.
For alternatives and inclusiveness due to weather or younger children, consider trunk-or-treats or indoor community events; for kids with noise or light sensitivities, bring ear protection, build in quiet breaks, and choose earlier, less-crowded hours.
“Preparation builds confidence,” said Dr. Blank. “When kids know the plan—who they’re with, where they’re going, and how to handle surprises—they enjoy the night more and make safer choices.”
For more pediatric and parenting advice, visit www.boystownpediatrics.org or www.boystown.org/parenting.
About Boys Town South Florida:
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America’s children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town South Florida has been providing life-changing care to area children and families since 1991. Our programs and services are part of the Boys Town national network and include the organization’s research-proven methods, which ensure that troubled children and families across the country receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.