But for those who do go trick or treating, parents and other experts suggest the following guidelines for a safe and fun holiday. Children should be accompanied by an adult until they are about 9 or 10 years old. After that age, they should go in a group, deciding with parents where they will go and what time they will return. Regardless of the children's ages, they should go only to homes of people they know. Masks can obscure vision and lead to accidents, so makeup is a safer alternative.
Oversize costumes can cause kids to trip, a danger especially when crossing the street.
Kids should carry flashlights so that they can see and be seen. Children should know beforehand that they will only be allowed to keep treats that are in individually sealed packages. Many parents find it helpful to decide with their children ahead of time what the rules will be about how many treats the kids can eat at one time. As with so many child-rearing issues, careful planning and clear expectations up front can make Halloween a safer, more enjoyable time for all.