Cell Phone Etiquette

Cell phones – I am not sure if they were the greatest invention or the worst. Guess it depends on the day.  I love my cell phone as much as anyone, but they have taken over people’s lives to the point of distraction. We see it every day as they have their face glued to the screen ignoring the world around them. We have a whole generation of young adults and children who are losing social skills, or not learning any at all.

I believe it’s time to set some boundaries regarding cell phone use. Parents need to start teaching their children now, or eventually nobody will know how to communicate face to face. Or even worse, they will lose their ability to feel a connection to a real human. I know that sounds extreme, but looking at what is happening today, not an impossibility.

So – I have come up with my own Cell Phone Etiquette list. I’m sure that after reviewing many of you will have some you would like to add. Anyway – here we go:

Cell Phone Etiquette

1.       Your cell phone should be turned off when you are at work or school – no exceptions. And don’t use the old “what if there is an emergency?” They can call the school office or your workplace to reach you.

 

2.       If you are with your wife/husband/significant other/children – put your phone aside. They are the most important people in your life and you need to let them know this. Looking at your phone to check email or social media instead of spending time with your family tells them that they don’t matter.

3.       If you are in a meeting, or at a workshop or conference, turn your phone off. If you are expecting someone to call, let them know that you will be unavailable (or what hours you will be available). None of us are so important that we need to disrupt a speaker to take a phone call.

4.       When you are at a social gathering turn your cell phone off. You can’t socialize with people if you are looking at your phone. I know we all like to take pictures at such events and that is fine – just don’t use it for any other purpose. If for some reason you do need to make a call, such as checking on your children, leave the room to do so.

 

5.       If you are having a conversation with someone put your phone on vibrate. And if it does go off, please ignore it. There is nothing ruder than taking your attention off the person speaking with you to look at your phone. This is a great way to lose friends or business associates.

 

6.       If you are in a restaurant – turn off your phone! I for one do not want to hear a phone ring, or hear your private conversation during my meal. I go out to dinner to relax, and phones ringing (or playing whatever song) is not a relaxing environment.

 

7.       If you are in a store (and especially in the check-out line) turn your phone off. The cashier deserves your attention, and the people in line around you don’t want to hear your conversation or wait for you to finish it.

 

8.       If you are out on a date – turn your cell phone off and put it in your purse or pocket. One would assume you are on a date to enjoy the other person’s company.

I know that there are surely many more scenarios that could be addressed. This is a good place to start. Feel free to share this with the people in your life. And if you have your own cell phone pet peeves, be sure to email them to me.