There is an even darker side to this night than witches and vampires that many are not aware of.

by Saffron McKee, Kyle Murphy, Eilidh Currie and Johnny Orr

We’ve all watched the film Halloween, where Michael Myers rips away everyone’s expectations of safety in a suburban town. But the real truth of what happens this evening is far grimmer. The Encyclopaedia of American Folklore states Halloween is, “integrally related to the prospect of contact with spiritual forces, many of which threaten or frighten.” 

Halloween has been viewed by many as an American tradition, despite its Scottish origins. Many people across these two countries, however, are unaware of the dangers that lurk in the shadows. Halloween can be a very scary night for parents and their children if we do not teach them about the threats. The consequences could potentially be deadly. 

The UK National Safety Council states, “Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. A frightening statistic says that, “12 percent of children five and younger are given the thumbs up to go trick or treating alone.”

Our reporter Eilidh Currie spoke to a concerned mother about what she feels has changed since she went trick or treating as a child. 

“Societies changed massively. I’ve got seven-year-old kids, when I was that age, I used to run around freely, with the rise in crime and child abuse, you have to go out with your children now”, she said.

Results from an American Addiction Centres survey say, “over 50% of women and 44% of men have had their drink spiked. Certain drugs used to spike drinks are not easily detected such as Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine.”

Students are being put off taking part in Halloween events. There is a growing concern over women and children getting hurt. Female students do not feel they can go out and enjoy themselves on this night because of the lack of protection at parties. 

Theatre student Keira Thompson said: “In the current climate there are dangers, there’s things getting hidden in sweets and at Halloween parties, there is higher risks of spiking. As girls, it is the one night you can dress up but you can still get horrible looks from weirdos.”

Parents need to accompany their children while they go from door to door to try to drag the horrifying data down.

UWS receptionist Fiona says: “I’ll be going out with my children. If they’re young you have to make sure they’re not going into people’s houses because you do not know what’s going on behind closed doors. As a parent looking at the future it is quite scary.”

If you were a psychic, you might peer into the future and happen to find that this tradition has become too feared to enjoy. This next generation feels going to strangers’ homes in the dark and asking for treats is like snow white eating the poisonous apple knowing the consequences. 

The best ways to enjoy your Hallows Eve is to educate yourselves and others on the dangers of trick or treating and going out partying with complete strangers. If we all collectively try and improve our safety in our communities there is a chance this tradition will survive.