Cell Phone Manners, Please!

CEBU, Philippines -  There’s absolutely no doubt about it: Everyone has, at one time or another, been annoyed by someone using a cell phone in a thoughtless way. It might be on a public transport that someone chatters on the phone – for everybody else to hear. Or it might be at the cashier’s counter that others have to wait until the person ahead on the line is done pounding on the keypad of his phone.

It’s really irritating when someone gets so absorbed on the phone and becomes oblivious to the surroundings and other people around. But the improper behavior is just so common now that it seems to be the new normal. And yet everyone still agonizes being around when it happens.

Okay, the mobile phone is a new technology and people tend to be so tickled by the novelty of it. For sure, the very people who complain of others’ misbehavior with their phones also commit the same mischief at times. Even dinner time at home or the solemnity of a church service is not spared of such misconduct.

But one need not become the person that annoys him or her. It takes some conscious effort to resist getting overwhelmed by the temptations of the cell phone – but it can be done. One can actually remain within the limits of propriety when using the gadget.

In her article at www.thespruce.com, writer Debby Mayne brings up the point that the problem is not really the cell phone – but the user’s bad manners and lack of respect for others. Mayne goes on to cite a few simple rules of cell phone etiquette:

Places where you should limit your cell phone use

Restaurants. Put your cell phone on vibrate mode to prevent creating unnecessary noise if your phone rings. Only make outgoing calls if necessary and keep them brief. When people call you, let them know that you are eating, and unless it’s an emergency, tell them you’ll call back later. Keep your voice as low as possible.

Movies, Theaters, and Plays. Turn your phone off before you enter the venue. If you are concerned about your children who are home with the babysitter, you may have your phone on vibrate, but make sure it doesn’t make a sound when someone calls. Don’t answer it in the theater. Step out to the lobby and call the person back.

Work. If you have a private office, it’s probably fine to leave your cell phone on. However, if you are a cubicle dweller, do your neighbor a favor and put it on vibrate. Resist the urge to conduct private business in your office cubicle. The people around you don’t need to know everything you do after work hours.

Churches, Synagogues, and Other Places of Worship. Turn your cell phone off or leave it in the car. You and everyone around you should be able to worship in peace.

Flying. Before your plane takes off, turn your phone completely off. Most airlines don’t allow cell phone use while flying because it may be a safety issue. There is some concern that electronic gadgets, including cell phones, may interfere with navigation equipment.

Bus, Train, and Other Public Transportation. Turn your phone off or have it on vibrate when you take public transportation. Limit your calls to emergencies. Once again, it is rude to chatter on a phone in public.

In the Checkout Line. If you are standing in the checkout line, talking on a cell phone is rude to everyone around you – from the other customers in line to the cashier. You can wait a few minutes to talk on the phone. Don’t initiate a call while standing in line. If the phone rings and you feel that you must answer it, let the caller know you’ll call right back and hang up.

Private Talk. When you’re hanging out with friends and family, don’t be rude and chat with someone else on your cell phone. Be both physically and mentally present for the people you are with. If your phone rings, let the caller know you’ll call back later, when you are alone. Doing otherwise gives the person you’re with the impression that he or she isn’t important to you.

Texting. Avoid text messaging while you are engaged in an activity or meal with someone else. Texting in front of others is the equivalent of whispering behind someone’s back. Even though it’s a typed message, it’s just as bad as chatting with someone who isn’t there. (FREEMAN)