For teenagers, Halloween can shift from a carefree night of sweets to a high-pressure social event. Between costume expectations, body image worries, and the pressure to find the "perfect" party, it is entirely normal for teens to feel anxious or overwhelmed. 

You can help teenagers navigate the holiday safely and with less stress by focusing on these wellness strategies:

1. Challenge the Social Media "FOMO"

• Check in on anxious thoughts: Teens often spiral into "all-or-nothing" thinking (e.g., "If I skip this party, I’ll lose my friends"). Remind them that social media only shows a curated highlight reel, and missing one event won't dictate their entire social life. 
• Normalise staying in: Let them know it is 100% valid if they simply want to switch off their phone, mute notifications, and take a break from the pressure to perform enthusiasm. 

2. Formulate a Flexible Exit Strategy

• Establish a "no-questions-asked" signal: If they are heading out to a house party or a crowded street event, agree on a text code or call signal. If they feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or overstimulated, they can use it to have you pick them up immediately—no judgment attached.
• Go out early, return early: If they are trick-or-treating or hanging out with younger siblings, heading out during daylight or early evening helps maintain a solid bedtime routine. Fatigue quickly amplifies anxiety and mood drops. 

3. Take the Pressure Off Costumes

• Prioritise comfort over trends: Halloween fashion—especially for teenage girls—can carry immense pressure to look a certain way or wear uncomfortable, sexualised outfits. Encourage them to choose oversized, cosy, or creative outfits that focus on fun rather than appearance.
• Dress up together as a group: Suggesting low-stakes group costumes (like wearing matching funny t-shirts or dressing as a group of movie characters) can dilute individual self-consciousness. 

4. Offer Low-Stress Alternatives

If huge crowds or standard parties aren't their thing, help them host or attend a smaller, low-sensory alternative: 

• A cosy horror or comedy movie marathon with a few trusted friends.
• An evening of baking or decorating intricate Halloween treats.
• Carving pumpkins at home while listening to a favourite podcast or playlist. 
  

If you have a problem you can’t fix on your own, it’s a good idea to speak to an adult you trust (a ‘trusted adult’). Telling someone you need help isn’t always easy, but here is some advice to help you.

Wellbeing Newsletter No.9 - Tips on Asking an Adult for Help

What is banter? Banter is the harmless exchange of social interaction between friends which involves teasing or mocking one another, either on a one-to-one basis for more commonly on a friendship group basis.

But when does banter become bullying?

Wellbeing Newsletter No.7 - Banter

You don’t need to be physically alone or cut off to feel lonely. You might be surrounded by other people. But it can feel like you’re on your own or that no one understands how you feel. Loneliness can make us feel down. And if you feel like this, you can get help.

Wellbeing Newsletter No.6 - Loneliness