Cell Phone Etiquette

Holy Cross High School within our division is piloting the use of cell phones in the school...this is currently being shared.

Cell Phone Etiquette

The following practices are encouraged for ensuring successful and respectful interactions using cell phones. Cell phone etiquette involves following some simple guidelines of common courtesy when using a cell phone.

1. For cell phone conversations:

• Talk quietly and in private. Be respectful of those around you.

• Maintain a distance of at least 3 meters (10 feet) from the nearest person.

• Keep your phone conversations short.

• Do not interrupt a conversation to answer your phone or send a text message. Instead, take care of the call after your conversation is finished or politely excuse yourself.

2. When texting:

• Texting should not replace face to face conversation.

• Short is sweet. Keep your messages brief.

• Consider place and time before sending a text message. For example, do not begin a conversation with a friend between classes since you have only a short period of time before instruction resumes.

• Keep text messages respectful and clear. Misunderstandings can sometimes lead to serious, unintended consequences. For example, for the recipient, a message in Caps Lock may be perceived as shouting.

• Be careful and conscientious of any material you send via text message. Text messages can be easily accessible to unknown recipients.

• Remember that you are responsible for what you send as a text message to other people. Gossiping, "trash" talk, name-calling, bullying, and/or generally being unkind or disrespectful are not allowed.


Further Detail

1. When a Private Phone Conversation Isn't Possible

Public settings such as restaurants, public restrooms, waiting rooms, hallways, buses, subways or anywhere a private conversation is not possible is a bad place for a cell phone conversation.
• To practice good cell phone etiquette, put the ringer on vibrate or silent mode and let the call roll over to voice mail. If it's an important call, step outside or to a secluded area to return the call.
• If that's not possible and you must take the call, keep your voice low and the conversation brief. Let the caller know you'll get back to them when you're able.

2. Modulate Your Voice

Cell phones have sensitive microphones that can pick up a very soft voice while blocking out ambient noise. Yelling into a cell phone is not necessary.

• When people are nearby, be considerate and keep your voice low, your tone unemotional and even, and your conversation private.
• Arguing or airing dirty laundry in public is very poor cell phone etiquette.

3. Observe the 10-foot Proximity Rule.

Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the nearest person when talking on a cell phone. No matter how quietly you speak, if you are standing too close to others, they are forced to overhear your personal business.

4. Talking in Public

It's inappropriate to engage in a cell phone conversation in any place where people are cramped and space is limited. Texting is a great option and should be used when possible. It's unobtrusive and quiet.

5. Keep It Short.

Keep public conversations brief and get back to the caller when you're not in a public place.

6. Use Common Sense.

• Turn off your phone before a job interview, presentation, or meeting.
• Leave it off at funerals, weddings, or anyplace a quiet atmosphere is mandated, such as a courthouse, library, museum, or place of worship.
• At school, keep your phone turned off during class time.

7. When you're already busy with people:

• It is inconsiderate to take a cell phone call when you are socially engaged with others or to take a call in the middle of a conversation. If the caller were present he or she would likely wait to politely interject at a more appropriate time. Let the call roll to voice mail and return it later.

• Instead of interrupting a conversation to answer your phone or send or read a text message, excuse yourself or take care of the call or text after your conversation is finished. This will let the person to whom you are speaking know you are devoting your full attention to them and that you value their time. Be aware of people around you and, if you're in a phone conversation, speak at a volume that is appropriate to your location.

• If you are inside a business, school or restaurant,

o avoid speaking on your cell phone if at all possible. You may be tempted to answer your phone during a movie or play, but don't do it. Not only is it bad manners, but other people have paid to see the show, and they can't hear it if you are engaging in a conversation.
o If you must answer your phone, it is best to go outside first.
o Turn off your cell phone in these situations, rather than run the risk of having it sound at an inopportune time. Always turn off your cell phone at weddings, funerals, and at any other important event.

Sources:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cell-phone-etiquette.htm

http://www.bspcn.com/2008/08/14-top-10-cell-phone-etiquette-rules-people-still-break/