Cell Phone Etiquette

There are manuals on just about anything you can think of, now there’s even a manual for cell phone etiquette. Cell phones.org released the Official Guide to Cell Phone Etiquette in September of 2008. It’s not Emily Post but it is etiquette that anyone with a cell phone should rude.

The etiquette guide came into being due to society’s use of the cell phone being everywhere. It’s hard to be anywhere and not see a cell phone being used, from restaurants to doctor’s offices and everywhere in between. No place appears to be too private or too public. People’s conversations have become public, with no regard for the people around them.

The etiquette guide covers private and public use of cell phones, when it’s okay to use it and when it should be put away. The etiquette guide isn’t mean to be an end all authority on how to use your cell phone but it should be a guide to having respect for other people when using your cell phone.

Covering the Basics

The cell phone etiquette guide isn’t an encyclopedia; it only takes a few minutes to read but offers some great advice. Topics covered include:

• Paying Attention to Who You Are With: Don’t let the cell phone be more important than the person you are with. If you are constantly on your phone, they may feel ignored.
• Texting for Silent Communication: Text when you need to keep your conversation silent.
• Rules for School: Varies according to the school.
• Cell Phone Use While Driving: You really shouldn’t drive and talk and at the very least use a hands free headset.
• Cell Phones and the Family – Learning Manners at Home
• Cell Phones at the Office: Every office has different rules, know yours.
• Cell Use on Public Transportation: Don’t share your conversations with the rest of the bus, etc.
• Cell Phones at Movies or Entertainment Venues: Just plain rude, unless it is an emergency and then you should walk outside.
• Cell Phone Use at Restaurants: Again rude, keep your phone on vibrate or silent if you must have it on.
• Is it an Emergency? If the call is an emergency that you must take, make sure you tell the people you are with so they don’t feel ignored.

Each of these topics are covered more in depth at http://cellphones.org/blog/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-cell-phone-etiqu.... Every cell phone user should at least read the tips.

Using cell phone etiquette is something all cell phone users should do. It is polite and it also keeps your friends and family from feeling ignored. Being connected is important but it can be done with tact.