UNLIKE trick or treat, Mischief Night is a long-standing British tradition. According to one reading of history, last night was its 250th anniversary: the custom of noisily carousing through the streets to ward off evil spirits switched from Hallowe'en to November 4 after a change in the calendar in 1752.

Since that date, no doubt, the older generation has complained about young people making a nuisance of themselves on Mischief Night.

For most children, the night has always been about practical jokes. It is a chance to express their natural desire for a little creative devilment, usually at the expense of their conformist elders. That need is greater than ever in a society which likes to keep children indoors, under supervision.

There is a line between good-natured mischief and wilful vandalism, however, and that is sometimes crossed.

Whether old-fashioned pranks, such as knocking on doors and running away, are still popular, it is hard to tell. Police reports suggest pelting eggs at windows is a modern favourite. This is annoying but mainly harmless, unless the victim is elderly or otherwise vulnerable.

But smearing a shop window with excrement, setting fire to rubbish or throwing fireworks are not innocent or fun activities.

No wonder many older people dread this time of year. The fireworks season starts as soon as the nights close in, and now goes on for weeks. Hallowe'en and Mischief Night add to the fear factor.

Much of the mischief, last night and any night, is down to boredom. There is little for older children to do in the evening.

So we must congratulate the bosses at York club Ikon for staging another event for 14-17 year olds last night. More than 700 young people took part, demonstrating the demand for youth-oriented entertainment.

Ikon provides a safe environment for teenagers, so parents can enjoy peace of mind. It would be good news for all ages if this sort of event was staged more often at different venues in the region.

Updated: 12:32 Tuesday, November 05, 2002