Parenting Column: Fireworks can seem like harmless fun but can turn into a life-changing tragedy

Every October, as the evenings grow darker, excitement builds for Halloween across Ireland. But alongside the spooky fun and deep-rooted tradition, there’s a concern for parents: the increasing number of teenagers and tweens getting their hands on fireworks.

What might seem like harmless fun or a quick thrill can, in a split second, turn into a life-changing tragedy.

In Ireland, the sale, purchase, or even simple possession of most fireworks without a licence is against the law, and they are outright banned for all those under the age of 18.

But despite strict regulations, fireworks often find their way into the hands of young people through online marketplaces or informal street sales in the run-up to Halloween.

Gardaí and emergency services always report a spike in firework-related incidents in October – from noise complaints to serious injuries. What many young people don’t realise is that even small fireworks, like bangers or sparklers, can cause burns, hearing loss, and permanent eye damage.

For tweens and teens, Halloween is often a time to test boundaries. There’s a social element to fireworks that appeals to their age group – the thrill of rebellion, the bright lights under the cover of darkness, their friends screaming in mischievous delight. Many young people underestimate the risks or believe they’re being careful enough.

But it only takes one misjudged throw, one moment of distraction, or one defective fuse for a fun night to turn disastrous. My sister in law works in the emergency department of LUH. She has seen severed fingers that led to amputation and permanent facial burns caused by fireworks. As parents, we have a duty of care to actively discourage our children from exposure to such dangers.

We need to talk openly with our children about the social pressures of fireworks. Ask what they’ve seen or heard among friends, and listen without immediate judgment. Teenagers respond better when they feel heard rather than lectured. The goal is not to terrify them but to help them understand the very real consequences – both physical and legal – of handling fireworks.

Fireworks don’t just endanger the people lighting them. They can distress pets, elderly neighbours, and young children. In residential areas, stray fireworks can land on cars, gardens, or even homes, causing fires and property damage. I’ve heard plenty of fireworks going off close to my own house over the past few weeks, and numerous people have messaged Letterkenny Babies Facebook page to say the same; there are gangs of kids letting off fireworks in residential areas all over Donegal.

It’s very difficult to know exactly where our teens are at times; they can tell us one thing – ‘I’m away to John’s house,’ – whereas in reality, they’re running amok causing disturbances and potentially endangering themselves, too.

It’s important to set firm boundaries. Make it clear that fireworks are not acceptable and explain why.

There are those who argue that it’s ‘a bit of craic’ but really, we owe it to our children to strive to keep them as safe as we possibly can. No doctor or nurse who has treated fireworks injuries would chalk it up to being worth the craic, that’s for sure.

Halloween should be about fun, creativity, and community – not emergency room visits or Garda investigations. As parents, we can’t always control what our teens do, but we can influence how they think about risk and responsibility. This Halloween, let’s revel in the magic, but leave the fireworks to the professionals.