Cell Phone Courtesy—Does it Exist?

You probably read the title and thought: What! Do we really need to talk about this? To answer your question-YES! We need to talk about this. This article was a thought that I had when I experienced cell phone rudeness from three students all in one day (luckily after my ice French Vanilla coffee); plus- July was National Cell Phone Month.  Before August end; let’s make it August Cell Phone Courtesy Month.

I compiled a list of 6 Cell Phone Etiquette Rules… that people still break!  Read it and learn from it!

1.      Talking too loudly.

HELLO.. HELLO.. CAN YOU HEAR ME? YES! WE CAN ALL HEAR YOU!! We all do this whether we’re at the mall, restaurant, bathroom (ugh!) and on public transportation such as the bus or train.  If your mouth is on the phone then the person on the other end can hear you. If you are in a no reception zone then call that person back later.

2.      Holding inappropriate conversations in public.

No one needs to hear the secret or trick about your best performance (insert your best skill here and a wink).  Keep your personal conversations personal. These conversations are not great for the public ear; especially not in the break room.  You should offer to call the person back, step outside, or find a quiet place where you can openly discuss the newest and latest skill or trait that you posses.

3.      Checking your phone at the movies.

If you are guilty of this; I would like to request $11.00 (the price of a movie) NOW. Movie theatre announcements and people who are quick to “shhhh” have done a decent job of reducing cell phone rings over the years. But people are still checking their calls and text messaging friends, silently, but equally annoyingly.  To hear the sounds of buttons being pushed down and bright light screens beaming through the palm of your hand –makes me want to throw popcorn at you. Turn your phones off, have a little consideration for the people around you. The world won’t end if you’re unavailable for 2 hours. Here‘s a question-“But what if there’s an emergency?” The odds of an actual emergency occurring are astronomical. Besides, if there was an emergency, it already happened. You already weren’t there, and chances are the people who could actually do anything about it, already have.

4.       Texting while driving.

The most dangerous activities are not sky diving or bungee jumping- its texting while driving! Please do not text while driving even if it’s to send a two letter text (i.e. - ok, hi.) You are not just putting yourself at risk; you are also putting others on the road at risk. Do you want to live with that on your mind (that’s if you live from an accident while texting and driving)?

5.         Ringtones

   Enough said.

6.       Location

I love to visit the library-my local library or Berkeley College library (the library has free information and resources-- take advantage of it). Unfortunately, the best place to study these days isn’t the library anymore. Why? People are using their phones at the library. It’s RUDE, RUDE, RUDE. Not just the library but at funerals and weddings (this is true, my cousin answered her phone while the priest asked does anyone object to this marriage and my cousin said HELLO) Cell phones should not ring at a church, a mosque, a temple – (wherever you worship) weddings, funerals, or at job interviews. Take the call outside, before someone throws a book at you or a bouquet (if you’re at a wedding).

When using your cell phone, just think of your surroundings.  The person listening can be your potential boss! 

Cordially yours -

Jenny Baguidy