BellaOnline Forums Family Early Childhood Halloween teaches kids to steal?

Ok.. going through my packed in-box today there was a newsletter article that stated the following...

"Halloween trick-or-treating brings out the worst in small children, researchers say. Putting on a mask makes children much more likely to steal candy and cash when given the opportunity -- and designating an anonymous leader made the problem worse, researchers found." from Career SmartBrief

I never really thought about it, but it's an interesting concept. Do you agree - does putting on a mask at Halloween make a child more likely to learn how to and become bolder at stealing because of anonymity?

It's one of the stupidest ideas I ever heard.

The only kids I eveer heard of stealing halloween cndy were the 'bullies' and they wore no masks, because you wouldn't be scared of them if you didn't know they were the tough kids.

And "designating an anonymous leader made it worse"? What does that even mean?

What an interesting question. In my experience at Halloween, there are more incidents of minor vandalism around my neighborhood. Since I've been in my house handing out the candy I haven't seen any bully behavior but some of the "children" coming to my door look like young teenagers. They usually don't have costumes and just take candy (for whatever reason). For all of the younger children at my door I do see parents or some adult waiting on the sidewalk. There were many little kids who actually thanked me or said "Happy Halloween" after taking their candy. I was truly surprised with the politeness of the children. I don't think Halloween overly contributes to a child stealing or being a bully. Once every year (for young children) is not enough reinforcement to develop bad behavior.

That's a intereting question, I never think about it. In my mind, trick-or-treating is just for fun. And kids are naughty and they just like to play.

i used to have the same question to people who like to join a Halloween party, but, none of them give me a answer.

Interesting topic. In my own observation, kids who participates during trick or treat just want to have fun. Also, it depends on the upbringing of the parents because they are the one who mostly introduces their children to these kind of program during Halloween.