10/28/2026
8 SCARY TRUTHS ABOUT TEENS AND HALLOWEEN
Even without trick-or-treating, Halloween has turned into one of the most popular social scenes for teens. But here’s where the scary part comes in: it’s also one of the riskiest nights of the year for teens when it comes to alcohol and drugs. Parties, costumes, and peer pressure all brew together and can turn into risky behavior. The statistics are downright horrifying. Here are the fast facts, and how parents and caregivers can help change outcomes.
1. Underage drinking tends to surge during the Halloween season.
2. Teens are more likely to drink when unsupervised at house parties.
3. Alcohol-related crashes increase on Halloween night.
4. Costumes can mask behavior.
5. Fake IDs and store thefts increase in October.
6. Social media makes the peer pressure stronger.
7. Alcohol is still the most used and abused drug by teens.
8. Parents underestimate how often their teens are offered alcohol.
Conversations count. Especially before costumes.
So what should parents and caregivers do? Start the conversation before the party texts start circulating. Share these facts. Ask open-ended questions and listen. Continue the conversation, whether in the car, at dinner, on a walk, or anywhere. You can access conversation starters here. And remember, your influence matters more than you may think. Most teens do care what their parents and caregivers think, even if they don’t always show it. Let’s make it a happy Halloween for all!
