Psychologists urge talking, not punishment, over Halloween candy pranks

Parents should talk with children rather than punish them over Halloween candy pranks, psychologists told ORF Steiermark, after sweets containing needles caused concern in recent days. Some of the sweets had been tampered with by children themselves, the report said.

Clinical psychologist Susanne Grohs-Schlager said people do not fully grasp the consequences of their actions until around the age of 25, when the relevant part of the brain has matured. She said it is normal for children and teenagers to test boundaries, and that parents should set limits children can push without making them too restrictive.

Child psychologist Jasmin Berghold said listening and talking were key to maintaining a relationship of trust. Parents should help children reflect on their behaviour and understand its consequences, she said, particularly as social media influences young people.

Berghold added that assuming one’s own child would never play such a prank could mean overlooking problems. She advised parents to talk with their children rather than punish them.