Are You Practicing Good Cell Phone Manners?
July 21, 2010 
3 Comments
Disruptive ringtones, loud conversations, inappropriate media playing and rude texting are are all examples of how intrusive cell phones have become in our lives today. For most of us, cell phones and mobile devices, are a wonderfully convenient and necessary tool that we benefit greatly from. However, we also need to realize that while we are interacting with this amazing technology, there are real human beings all around us in the real world that deserve our courtesy and respect.
Displaying the above bad manners is not just disrespectful, it may even lead to what experts call “cell phone rage,” or angry outbursts and violence based on rude cell phone behavior. To avoid such behavior, it is best to practice the following cell phone etiquette tips:
- Follow the rules – Cell phone restrictions are usually put into place for safety reasons, therefore your cooperation is definitely needed.
- Be aware – Avoid ‘cell yell” or loud talking which can be disruptive and annoying. Also, discontinue emotional or angry conversations which can be unsettling to others.
- Be present – Set your phone to silent when you are in a meeting, movie theater, church or similar setting. Do not text. If you must take a call, excuse yourself and go outside.
- Be private – Do not discuss or display sensitive, extremely personal or inappropriate information when in public. You never know who is listening or looking. Also, protect the person you are talking to by telling them when you are using speaker or video functions in a public space.
- Be a wireless Samaritan – You can call 911 from you phone and help others by reporting crimes or emergencies.
- Respect photo/video privacy rights – Always ask for permission before shooting a photo or video of someone with your device, especially children and minors.
- Be discreet with media playing – Do not display inappropriate, disturbing or R-rated media content where it can be seen or heard by others, especially children. Also, keep volume low or use earphones.
Following these tips allows you to integrate the use of technology into your life in a way that is respectful of those around you. After all, they deserve the same attention and courtesy as the person you are engaging with on your phone. To learn more, visit our Wireless and Mobile Device Safety lesson.
Thank you for these timely and excellent tips. Nothing is more irritating than listening to loud cell phone conversations; especially when they are laced with profanity. Love the phrase “cell yell.”
we all accept that cell phones are a common tool of modern society. So why can’t it be that we accept there should be rules for cell phone use. There’s rules for driving on the road. Rules for public ordinance. Once you leave your house, you impact the public. Their at your mercy. A lot of people could really use these tips. We shouldn’t have to be dragged in to stranger’s living room.
I had an incident today where their was a lady in the only handicapped stall talking on her cell. Once she stopped talking I knocked on the door and she responded,There’s someon in here and I responded, I know. I was under the misconseption that this would get her to finish up so I could get in. I;m waitnig and noted thru a connor of the door that she is texting. YES TEXTING. I commented on this and she accused me of invading her privacy for which I apology and she continued to be rude at wich point I also became rude. Big mistake on my part she that droped the pregnancy card and said she had to pee bad. I think she just wante d to text someone and felt she could set their as long as she wanted. She kept sitting and making rude comments untill I banged on the door with my cane. She finaly got the message and finished up. She that went with the cleaning lady to complain to security. Almost got myself in trouble. MY BAD. How much privacy can you exspect in a public restroom. Also I thought if you knocked on the stall/bathroom door that the person on the other side was supposed to finish up and get out. Big mistake. I was except the person to be considerate. Also I have severe arthritis and can not get up easily from the low commodes and she was in the only handicapped stall.