cell phone etiquette essay

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Smartphone etiquette tips for any context

Although smartphones and mobile devices have become so ubiquitous it can be hard to remember a time without them, they are still relatively new features of modern life. While many people keep their smartphones handy at all times, not everyone may be aware that new social standards and courtesies have evolved around these devices and their use. It is common to see people using them throughout the day, even when it may not seem appropriate for them to be doing so. As such, it is important to be able to understand what is and isn’t appropriate in terms of cell phone usage during different situations — for some scenarios it may even be seen as disrespectful.

General mobile phone etiquette.

There are specific etiquette points that one should keep in mind for certain social situations, such as introducing yourself, not interrupting, and saying please and thank you. However, there are also more generalized rules that should be followed in regard to cell phone use. Here are some universal cell phone etiquette tips to keep in mind:

Although it may be tempting, avoid texting during face-to-face conversations;

Avoid accepting calls when you are in the middle of a face-to-face conversation;

Avoid discussing personal topics in an area where others may hear you;

Avoid using inappropriate pictures for a person’s contact photo;

Be aware of the delay between when you speak and when the other person hears it;

Be mindful about what you tag people in on Facebook;

Don’t light up your screen in a dark theater;

Don’t talk/text and drive;

Use your Call Filter app for suspicious calls, but avoid using it for friends and family;

End the continuing game of phone tag after 4 attempts of reaching out to an individual;

Keep a distance of at least 10 feet from the nearest person when talking on the phone;

Put your phone on silent mode in theaters, restaurants, plays, performances, and any other group setting where a ring tone may be bothersome;

Refrain from blaming the other person if there is a dropped call;

Speak in a soft tone when taking calls in public;

Try not to look things up (“fact check”) during a conversation, unless you are asked to.

Etiquette for cell phones on dates.

Dating, in general, can be stressful. Individuals may feel the need to impress their date and present themselves well, especially during the early stages of the relationship. Some may partake in phubbing , which is when an individual begins to pay less attention to someone who is talking and more attention to their phone instead — this may be because of nerves, boredom, or out of habit. While it may not be necessary to completely disregard using your phone at any time while on a date, it is important that you be mindful of how you do so. Here are a few tips for proper date night phone etiquette:

Ask your date if they would be bothered by you taking pictures of the food, scenery, etc;

Don’t continuously show them things you’ve found on your phone. One or two items may be alright, however, refrain from showing them your entire social media feed, even if you find the content funny;

If able to, you should both put your phones away in your bag or pocket;

Let your date know ahead of time if you’re expecting an important phone call at any point during your time together;

Refrain from nervously going onto your phone;

Set your phone on silent.

Etiquette for cell phones at work.

Prior to following any workplace cell phone etiquette advice, one should first review their specific workplace’s phone policy — this policy should take precedence over any outside advice that is given. Generally speaking, some businesses are becoming more accepting of phones in offices, being more aware that it is possible to maintain workplace productivity in an era of smartphones — as “convenience is a crucial aspect that all organizations and firms look to obtain for their employees. Smartphones provide the ability for employees and clients to communicate and contact one another quickly and efficiently.”

If you are a part of a business that allows you to use your phones, it is important to follow proper cell phone workplace etiquette to help reduce the chances of you getting these privileges taken away.

Be aware of your ringtone. If you work at a business that requires you to answer your cell phone often you may want to download a ringtone that sounds professional (no high pitches, isn’t too loud, no obnoxious sounds, no profanity, etc);

Don’t look at your phone during meetings;

Don’t place your phone on your lap;

Focus on the person that should have your attention i.e. customer, client, coworker, boss, etc;

Keep your personal calls private;

Keep your phone out of sight;

Don’t engage in arguments over the phone while at work;

Silence your device.

Etiquette for cell phones at professional gatherings.

Just as with informal gatherings such as dates and some workplaces, there are cell phone etiquette tips to keep in mind for professional gatherings such as conferences, training sessions, seminars, product launches, and more:

Don’t take photos unless you’re allowed to;

Don’t use your phone as a way to avoid social interactions;

Focus on face-to-face networking;

Keep your phone on silent;

Verbally excuse yourself for important calls when necessary;

When you do take photos, turn off your flash as a courtesy to others around you.

When to not use your cell phone.

In some scenarios, it is unacceptable to use your mobile phone entirely, despite taking the above etiquette tips into consideration. The following list outlines different situations when you’ll want to avoid your phone altogether:

At movie theaters and other large gatherings of any kind;

Attending church;

While giving birth;

During a job interview;

When someone is talking to you;

While driving;

While you’re eating a meal;

While you’re studying.

How often you use your cell phone is entirely up to you. However, when doing so, keep in mind that there is a time and place for it. By following the above cell phone etiquette guidelines, you can ensure you’re not being disrespectful or breaking any rules and are mindful of those around you.

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The Do's And Don'ts Of Using Your Phone In Public

Technology has changed the world. Like everything has two sides, mobile also has flipped the world into a more accessible communicable world. In the early days, the mobile phone was just a means of communication via calls. Nowadays, it has become a crucial part of humans. Life without a phone is inevitable. We cannot think about a world without mobile phones. It is evolving with new and advanced technologies. Now it's used for calls and plays multiple roles like GPS navigator, camera, video player, music, and modem. Every time a new technology comes, it makes society change accordingly. There is a flip side to this invention. With new technologies, there are new rules too to use this device. We have seen that some people are talking very loudly on mobile phones and causing a disturbance to others unaware of that. Nobody wants to eavesdrop on other people's conversations, but we find ourselves doing precisely this, though, due to no fault of our own. Just like there are specific rules for online behavior there are rules too on how to use phones in public.

General people need to understand these basic manners of phones. Consider you are at a public place, and someone right after you are talking to someone, telling them that her husband is cheating, her mother is selling her home, or her uncle has cancer. How would you feel? Of course, if your good happy day is ruined, you will likely be sentiment for her. Consider another example; there is a funeral and memorial dinner of a friend. And you saw someone talking and laughing on the phone loudly. You will feel aggressive and destructive toward that person. These are all basic manners of using the phone in public places. However, there are some places where you have to act ethically. Have you ever been irritated with someone having headphones but still loud music is coming out? It is such unbearable behavior. Even they can't think of a quick eye as a red flag. There is a place where you can use your mobile without concern, and this place is your room only!

Man is a social animal. We inevitably have to live in societies and communities. We can't live alone. So, it is crucial to think about the comfort of other people. With inappropriate use, we are just irritating everyone around us. It also affects the reputation of a person. A person must have feelings for others so they can be distinguishable from animals. Whether you're an avid cell phone user or just getting the hang of the technology, there are specific etiquette guidelines you should always follow when out in public. Here is a comprehensive guide on cell phone etiquette to ensure you get all the fun and stay in the know of the latest trends and conversations.

Introduction to Cell Phone Etiquette

In today's digital age, it's no surprise that cell phones have become integral to our lives. We use them to stay connected to friends and family, work, entertain ourselves, and more. While they offer great convenience, they can also be disruptive and intrusive if used sparingly. Here is a comprehensive guide on cell phone etiquette to ensure you get all the fun and stay in the know of the latest trends and conversations.

What is Cell Phone Etiquette?

Cell phone etiquette, or netiquette, is a set of unspoken rules and guidelines for how cell phone users should behave in public. It includes respecting other people's privacy and not using your phone while driving. Following these guidelines ensures that everyone around you is comfortable and safe.

The Basics of Cell Phone Etiquette

Regarding cell phone etiquette, there are a few key points to remember. First, it's important to remember to be respectful of those around you. If you are using your phone in a public place, be aware of your volume and how your conversation may affect those nearby.

Another critical point is that your phone should never be the center of attention. It's okay to use your phone in public, but keep it out of the spotlight. It means refraining from taking pictures or videos of other people without their permission and avoiding loud conversations or games.

Finally, if you're in a situation where silence is expected, like a meeting or classroom, it's important to refrain from using your phone unless it's essential. Even if you believe no one is paying attention, respecting the space is still essential.

Places Where You Should Not Use Your Phone

Some places where mobile phone use will be offensive or destructive for relationships. Let's have a look at them:

Funeral/Memorial Dinner

Suppose you go into a memorial of someone. The kids are giving speeches about the love of their lost one. Suddenly you see someone started listening to music or laughing badly. Then what impression will go on the folks? It is very inappropriate to use phones at funerals. It is very irresectable of the person. You can take the phone away from that place and then talk.

On The First Date

It is said that the first impression is the last. If you meet someone for the first time, it is always inappropriate to use a phone. It can be for meeting purposes, talking to someone else, or using social media. Your girlfriend/boyfriend will think that you are more indulged in mobile and not interested in them. You may lose the person forever. It has impacts on them. Afterward, if they ever go out again, they will feel insecure and unable to trust someone on this.

On the first date, it is not a kind gesture to talk on the phone every time. Gestures matter more than real talk. A gentleman never prioritizes social media over long-lasting things. It should be in the teachings of parents how to treat a girl. Lastly, there is a life beyond mobile. Try to live it lively. You have only one life; don't ruin it using a phone everywhere. If your partner uses a phone on the first date, then it is a sign that you should walk out at the early stage.

Hanging With Friends/Family

As we get older, we move away from our friends. Because everyone gets busy in their life. Having friends in life is a blessing. And the time spent with them is precious. If you are hanging out with friends, you must refrain from using a phone. The time spent is the time you make memories. Pictures or meetings or everything doesn't matter. The only thing that matter is memory. Later in life, you will find that you were making memories. Little moments of joy are the real asset of life.

Think of a friend who came from Libya to spend time with you, and you constantly use your phone—to send guidelines to meetings. Without enjoying the natural environment, you constantly take selfies and post them on social media. With what hat memory will your friend go back? Nothing, just pictures! So, try not to use your mobile too much when hanging out with friends.

The same is the case with the family. As social media increases social interaction, it reduces physical interaction with family. Everyone in the house is happy and sharing things and problems with followers and strangers on social media, but no one shares with their family. To remove this distance, turn off your phone when spending time with your family. Also, limit the business work to the office only. Moreover, you should have two phones, one being the business phone other will be the family phone. Try to consider this.

There are places in which you have to follow certain etiquette. The classroom has rules and regulations to follow. Not using a mobile phone is one rule. Mobile phones carry your attention towards something else. It would help if you thought of the professor who came to the class to teach you. It also disturbs other students. This disrespect of the teacher might affect somewhere in the future too. Also, if the teacher scolds you in front of everyone, you will remain ashamed the whole semester.

A library is a silent place. There is a must rule of silence in libraries. People go to libraries to concentrate and work in peace. If you use a phone in a loud voice or listen to music, you destroy the decorum badly. Moreover, with the rise of the digital world, people moved away from books. It is said that this is the last century of book love. There is so much literature, knowledge, wisdom, and truth which needs to be read from books, but today's generation is so much on mobile phones they need to learn the basics. So, caring about the decorum of libraries is a basic manner.

In theatre, people spend quality time with family or friends. But just thinking about a person having a shrieking ring tune will be annoying for the rest of the people in the theatre. I added this in those places where you shouldn't use your phone. Because you must enjoy the time spent in the cinema. Theatres are for enjoying the movie, not for taking pictures or talking loudly.

Moreover, having high brightness can make other people uncomfortable. If you send a private or a voice message to someone, it will be easily heard by the other 500 people in the cinema. So, don't use the phone in the cinema or theatre to respect your privacy and others' blissful moments.

During Play/Performance

If you are at your daughter's dance rehearsal without focusing on it, you are focusing on the phone, talking loudly, texting, or sending instructions to the office. It will cause long-term damage to your daughter's relationship with you. Also, if you use your phone with a loud voice, there is silence in the place, then it will be annoying for the other people who came to enjoy the performance. Therefore, it is wise to refrain from using the phone during play or performance.

During Job Interview

This is the most important place where you should follow the rules. Consider you have an interview at home, and your employers are hiring you to nurse a child. If you continuously use your phone in front of them, they will not hire you. They will think that if she uses the phone every sec, she might not be the right candidate for our child. It is dangerous to hire a careless person. The same is the vase with other jobs too. Employers will only hire you once you show them that you are a responsible person who is not more involved with the phone. A job interview is the first step in starting a career. You can make it, or you can destroy it. Both are in your hands. So, don't use your phone in front of the employer.

It would be best if you were not involved in the phone while at the dining table outside with friends, family, or colleagues. Instead, you could talk about everything. Because this will be the time, people are judging your manners. There is a complete list of manners that you must follow in a restaurant. Not using mobile is the one. Consider the embarrassment felt by the waiter standing in front of you waiting for you to place an order, but you are constantly using your phone. There will be no respect for you in their heart. For example, you are talking to someone on a video call, and a family beside you wants to sit and eat peacefully. They will get annoyed by this. Maybe they will never visit that place again. So, you are a threat to restaurant sales too. That's why you should not use your phone in a restaurant. There is a proper guideline at the door of every restaurant about not using the phone loudly. Putting a silent mode on the phone is an innovative gesture for customers.

Prayer Room

Prayer rooms are sacred places that need silence out of respect. You must keep quiet whenever you go into a church, a Mosque, a temple, or a place where someone is praying. If you are with a friend, also ask them to stop talking. Instead, go with a slow pace so that even your shoes should not disturb them. It is the basic ethics you should teach yourself and then your children. No running in prayer rooms, no pounding over people's heads, no using of mobile or a tablet in a loud voice. Music is banned in some places so respect the rules. Keep the phone down.

Public Transportation

In public transportation, everyone stands side to side with each other. I have a personal experience that I felt almost daily on my way to university. Some people lack basic manners of traveling. You should give personal space to other people. Loud music, talking, and laughing loudly is just annoying for me. If you place harm with your actions, karma has a way of doing that too. Please consider this. Don't use the phone on a bus or a train. Other people are not interested in your stories. Maybe someone wants to travel in peace, so think about them.

Hospitals must be quiet places. There are patients from having mild to severe diseases who need rest. If you listen to music in a loud voice and you cry in a loud voice, it will disturb the environment for patients. There are security guards for such people who disturb the peace of patients. So, it would help if you did not use your phone in a loud voice in a hospital,

The Waiting Area

Restrooms are present in every social place. As the name suggests, these rooms are for waiting for the bus, plane, or train. But if someone is shouting, yelling, or running, there might be an inconvenience for other people sitting there. There is a chance that someone will kick you out for using your phone so loud in public. Like there are different cultures, everyone has different rules. But basic manners or ethics are universal. They should be followed by anyone of any race, gender, etc. So, to respect the culture, you should not use your phone in the waiting area.

Museums are my favorite places. I love to see pieces of art and architecture from different centuries. But if I am in a museum and someone behind me hits me because they are involved in making videos, I will be so offensive. Consider this yourself.

So, above are the different places we should consider before using our phones so loudly. We should respect others' privacy too. Also, we should teach our children these basic manners. Universal rules like politely talking and respecting the elders should also include using phones.

Basic Phone Etiquettes - Dos Of Using Your Phone In Public

Technology has made us astray. We should remember how we should behave in certain conditions, respect the elders, work for others' peace and happiness, and value our relations in real life. There is a life outside of social media that we fail to consider. Like mobile phone has many apps and technologies, it also has some standards or rules everyone must follow. These standards are universal and are not confined to a place, people, or area. Here are some dos and don'ts of using mobile phones:Put Your Voice Down:

You have to think about it. When you talk in a loud voice, you irritate others and represent your manners. People will laugh at you and make videos. Some will scold you. It's a rule, and you must follow that. Please put your voice down whenever you talk on a phone, even if you are talking offensively to someone.

The following are some of the dos of cell phone etiquette:

‍ Respect Others' Privacy

Cell phone etiquette is an essential part of respecting others' privacy. Remember that only some people want to be part of your conversations, so keeping your voice down when talking on the phone in public is essential. Avoid discussing topics that could be considered private, and try to keep your conversations to a minimum in public spaces. Furthermore, be mindful of the volume of your cell phone's ringtone and turn it down so as not to disturb others in crowded areas. Additionally, it is essential to remember that only some appreciate receiving and answering calls in specific locations, such as the library or during a movie. Be mindful of others' comfort and try to step away to a quiet area if you need to take a call. Cell phone etiquette is essential to respecting the privacy of those around us.

‍ Keep Conversations Private

Regarding cell phone etiquette, one of the most important things to remember is to keep conversations private. If you need a private conversation, take it somewhere more secluded, like a quiet corner of a cafe or a room in your own home. Furthermore, try to keep your conversations to a minimum in public places, as many people find it bothersome and intrusive. If you have to talk on the phone, invest in earbuds to ensure that the conversation is only audible. Knowing your cell phone etiquette will ensure you don't disturb or offend anyone. It is very unpleasant to hear how someone is with his wife or how she is treating him. Always ensure that if you are talking to your partner in public, you must know that others are not interested in your love story. It is so irritating to hear the specifics of any relationship. What you see in movies or what you think about them is different, but in real life, when someone is walking and you are talking very loudly, it is a very unpleasant moment for them. Please consider this before talking to your partner out loud in public.

‍ Use the Vibration or Silent Mode

You have a phone; you are the owner of making its decisions. But consider that you are on public transport where older adults are also sitting. And suddenly your mobile started ringing with a wildly inappropriate ring tune than what will you feel? You will feel embarrassed because you never thought before putting such a ring tune. Therefore, having mobile manners is essential in public settings. It's always polite to switch your phone to silent mode or put the phone into vibration in a public setting. It will save you from shame. This way, you won't disturb other people and can still be available for important calls or messages. The silent mode ensures that the people around you don't have to hear your phone ringing or vibrating. Additionally, if you do need to take a call, try to find a quiet corner or step away from the crowd. It will also help you avoid any embarrassing conversations that might be overheard. In a business setting, it's important to remember to switch your phone to silent mode so it won't interfere with any presentations or meetings. Cell phone etiquette is integral to public life; following it will show respect to those around you.

‍ Respect Other People's Time

We live in a world full of deadlines and obligations, so respecting other people's time should be at the top of our list of priorities. Cell phone etiquette is a great place to start. When you're out in public, keep your conversations brief and stay in one spot for a short time. It's important to remember that other people have places to be and things to do. Additionally, keep it brief if you need to take a phone call. Ultimately, it's about courteous and considering other people's time and needs. It's about showing respect for others and their time and being mindful of your behavior and its effect on others. Respect for others and their time is essential for creating a harmonious and positive environment. So, the next time you're out and about, remember to respect other people's time and be aware of your actions.

Turn Off The Flashlight As A Courtesy to Others

The other do of using a mobile phone is to turn off the flashlight. Let's think it won't be enjoyable if you are standing at the airport and someone's flashlight is continuously turned on. You must turn it off as a courtesy to others. Also, if you are taking a picture in a public place then you should consider the privacy of others. If the flashlight is on, it won't be comforting for others.

Verbally Excuse Yourself on An Important Call

It is unethical if someone is talking to you face to face and you are using your phone constantly. They will feel that you are interested in them. The basic code of ethics is to start listening to others as you want others to listen. Respect others. The book "7 habits of highly effective teens" completely describes the art of listening to others. It is the habit of influential people to pay attention to little things. Respect people; it matters a lot. If there is an important call that you must take during a conversation, then you must verbally excuse yourself.

Use Voice Mail

When your phone has a voicemail option, then why you ignored the place where you are? "It is an art to stay where you are" if you are in a social gathering and your mind is on the meeting/business problems, you will not enjoy the event. Use voice mail and start enjoying the world.

Filter Your Language While Speaking in Public

When you are speaking to a friend aggressively and using words you are not allowed to say publicly, you might face scolding from others. Think of another example: if you are talking to your partner in public and you have a very intimate talk, it will irritate other people around. So, it's a must rule that you should filter your language while speaking in public. There are cultures where some languages are not allowed openly. It would help if you learned to respect them open-heartedly.

Must Have A Reasonable Distance Around You and Other People

Reasonable distance means you should respect the personal space of others. If someone is walking in peace or enjoying the event, it won't be delightful if you speak very loudly. They might get frowned at you or they might remove you from that place. So, you must show a level of respect toward others. Make people live peacefully on their terms.

Pay Attention To What's Around You

Text messaging is also as bad as talking on the phone. If you are running somewhere, then pay attention to the little details. Life is beautiful. It should be enjoyed thoroughly, not on the phone. When you reach an older age, you will realize these moments' importance. There are so many things if you go for a walk to watch the scene of old couples jogging there, the chirping of birds is very pleasant to the ears, and the beautiful sunrise. So, outside the mobile phone, there is a wonderful world.

Find A Quieter Space To Talk

Stay alert if you are talking on the phone because if someone is near you, you might be ruining their mood. As there are disadvantages of every technology mobile phone has too. Like it makes people aggressive. Because of one-way communication, the other person can't feel your emotions or see your expression. They will interpret the message according to the mindset so if you are being offensive or being in love you should always find a quieter space to talk on the phone.

While Texting, Understands The Hidden Meanings Of Emojis:

There is always a hidden meaning in words. Technology has changed words into pictures which are called emojis in mobile language. When you send emojis to someone, you should know they have hidden meanings too. If you send a message to your boss and accidentally send a very intimating emoji, you will face the consequences. Emojis are good to use in texting. Like when you are talking aggressively, and you put a smiley with the message, it will not impact the way without any smiley. So, do understand these things.

Don'ts Of Using Your Phone In Public:

Have you ever been the victim of loud music and harsh words? Yes, everyone has. Technology has taken away our basic ethics from us. We are more social and extroverted on the phone, and we forget to talk politely in person. Yelling or arguing is now become the essential thing of texting. Talking to strangers makes us more comfortable than to our relatives. It has changed the way any person behaves. So, here are some ground rules you should not do in public while using a mobile phone.

Don't Ignore People

It's important to remember that other people exist, even when you're on your phone. If you're talking on the cell phone in public, keep one ear open so you don't miss out on anything important. Additionally, if someone is trying to talk to you, it's polite to put your phone away and give them your full attention.

‍ Don't Take Phone Calls in Inappropriate Places

Some places are not appropriate for taking a phone call. It includes places like movie theaters, churches, libraries, and other places of worship. Additionally, if you're in a restaurant or cafe, try to keep your conversation as brief as possible to avoid disrupting other customers.

‍ Don't Take Photos Without Permission

Regarding cell phone etiquette, one rule people should always follow: Don't take photos without permission. This is very unethical. Without permission, you are not authorized to take pictures. In some cultures, it is prohibited. Like in Muslim culture, if you take pictures of women out there, you might face strong opposition from their men. So, it should be in your mind when you are using the phone in public that you can take your pictures only, not others. Whether you're trying to capture the beauty of a sunset or a candid moment between friends, it's important to remember that only some people want to be photographed. If you're out in public, it's best to ask for permission before snapping a shot. That will give the people in the photo a chance to say no if uncomfortable with it. Additionally, if you're posting photos online, get permission from the people in your photos before doing so. That will ensure that their right to privacy is respected. Taking photos without permission can not only be disrespectful, but it can also be illegal. So, the next time you're out with your phone, remember to respect the wishes of those around you and always ask for permission before taking photos.

‍ Don't Use Your Phone While Driving

Sometimes mobiles are a danger to life. You will think, how is it possible? It is possible, and it occurred in my life too. A friend of mine was driving and texting at the same time. It was about three years ago. I lost her just because she was involved in some argument. She got into a severe accident. She had injuries inside major in head and lost her life. It was a harrowing incident. When I talk about it, makes me feel sad. That's why I am stressing from the very start that whatever happens stay away from your phone. Live in the moment you are present. Leave everything behind. It's a must rule you should teach yourself and your children too that mobile is not everything. Concentrate on the moment you are in.

It's essential to practice cell phone etiquette. When you're behind the wheel, you must resist using your phone. Don't take any calls, don't send any text messages, and don't check your social media while driving. In some states, using your phone while driving is illegal, so it's essential to be mindful of the laws in your area.

Not only is utilizing your phone while driving dangerous, but it can also be distracting for other drivers. When you're focusing on your phone, you're not focusing on the road. It can lead to severe accidents, so staying alert and focused while driving is essential. If you need to take a call, it's best to pull over and take it in a safe place.

Although the urge to use your phone while driving can be intense, practicing cell phone etiquette and resisting it is essential. Not only is it dangerous, but it can also be illegal in some states. Don't put yourself, your passengers, and other drivers in danger. Pay attention to the road and resist the urge to use your phone while driving.

Don't Yell

This manner is not just for mobile but also for other life events too. Yelling is not welcomed in any situation. When you yell at someone, you lose your respect too. Consider yourself standing at the bus stop of your institution and yelling at someone on the phone. You will feel that you are the center of attention. Not for a good reason, but you will see the disrespect, scolding, and reprimand in other people's eyes. So, it's not a nice gesture to yell at someone on a mobile phone.

Don't Argue

Argument means fighting someone over something. It could be a thing, a belief, or an idea. If you are persuading someone about your idea, you don't need to yell or argue in an ominous voice. It shows your lousy behavior. It is not a good idea to argue over something in a public place. Arguing is always negative. It is not a good gesture to anyone around you. Even in your personal life, arguing means, you are making your relationships towards disaster. Think of yourself standing beside someone at a shopping mall, and if he is constantly arguing with someone on the phone, then what will you think? You will be so irritated and annoyed that the first thing you want to do is to go from that place.

Keep Your Phone Off Your Lap

In a meeting or at a restaurant, when you are in a serious conversation and watching your phone constantly, the person before you will get the impression that you are not interested in them all. It is also bad for your career. This habit of always using the phone will impact your health. A report suggests that blindness is the significant impact of high screen time. Placing your phone on your lap will divert your attention toward it. So, don't try to do that in public.

Don't Make People Wait

If you are ordering a coffee at Barista and the man at the bar is waiting for you to place the order, but you are constantly talking and texting on the phone, what do you think he will do? He will call security and treat you with disrespect. If you want to be comfortable in front of other people, you should take this advice. Even at your place, you should not make people wait. This thing is called ego, and ego is always negative. Negative things will make life unpleasant.

Don't Be A Captive Audience At The Dinner Table

I saw a family at a restaurant, and their dad was continuously using his phone. Children were sitting idly, waiting for him to close his business meetings. But I noticed that he wasn't interested in his children or the food they were eating. This is something we need to address. It will affect your children's psychology. They will remain hungry for love and will find love from the outside. But at that time, you will realize it's too late now. Make sure that you set your phone aside whenever you sit at the dinner table. Don't be a captive audience at the dinner table.

Don't Let Your Phone Control You

You should control your phone, not the phone controlling you. Technology has tangled everyone in it. It is inevitable to stay away from the phone. But what measure you can take is not to let it control you. A research report from the New York Times explained how our heads weigh anywhere from 10 to 13 pounds then, plus gravity puts 60 pounds of pressure on our necks. You might hurt your neck if you continuously bend to use your phone. You will have a neck ache. So, in public, this instruction goes too. Don't let your phone control you so you can be aware of the hustle and bustle around you.

Don't Take A Call In The Middle Of A Face-To-Face Conversation

When you are talking face-to-face to someone and suddenly attend a phone call, it makes a very bad impression. Often being on your phone in the presence of other people is very rude and inappropriate. It would be best if you got off your phone when someone is talking to you or they walk up and are trying to talk to you. It is polite and makes the person feel you are paying attention to them. It also makes the person feel you care about what they are saying. It isn't nice in these times because you should be giving the other person your full attention since it is respectful and polite.

Don't Use A Speakerphone in Public

It is very irritating when someone is talking on the speakerphone, and you have to listen to every word they are narrating to each other. Please try to make it slow if you are using it at home. No one is interested in your life stories. It is boring for others. And if someone is using it mistakenly you must remind them that they have to reconsider using the phone in public.

Don't Put Your Phone on The Table

During a professional or home dinner, business meeting, or tough talk with your partner. Please take it as a piece of advice that you should not put your phone on the table. It will divert your attention, and you might wreck the situation with your hands. Try this one. In another scenario, when you are using your phone alone, and suddenly a colleague, children, or wife comes to talk to you, you put your phone aside. Then it will be your obligation to pay attention to what they say to you.

Don't Use It In Public for Security Reasons

This is the proven reason for not using your phone in public. There are pickpockets and snatchers everywhere, especially in crowded places. It is a lesson you should learn not ever use your phone in very crowded places. Your phone might not cost you so much, but your data, videos, and pictures cost you your reputation. If you own a small business, you must keep away phones for security reasons. It includes data that your business stands on. Small business owners need more security because of a lack of resources. They need the courage and energy to pay the loss. So, it's best to prevent the disaster.

Avoid Annoying Ringtones

Someone's annoying ringtone may annoy you or ruin your happy mood. So, consider this and don't use it on your phone. You can't control others, but you can control your mobile, so it's your duty. If you have a ringtone that might be annoying to others, you should put your phone on silent and vibrate in public.

Don't use it at the check stand, reservation desk, and any service counter:

Don't use the phone at the check stand, reservation desk, and any service counter because you might need to remember the specifics of it. These are places where you should pay your full attention. Concentrate on the prices and packages fully. The same is the case when you are purchasing something. You must end the conversation when paying for purchases. It will help you remember the change at the counters.

Cell Phone Use For Children In Public:

Beware of this habit. If you give your cell phone to children in public, you must put the volume at the lowest. You should keep your eye on them constantly. Teach them ethics too.

Mobile Phone Manners in Different Settings

Cell phone etiquette can vary depending on the setting. Here are a few essential points to remember when using your phone in different environments.

When in an office or workplace, it's essential to be mindful of how your phone use may affect others. Avoid taking personal calls or sending texts during meetings, and try to limit your cell phone use during work hours.

Being courteous and respectful of those around you in public places like restaurants or cafes is essential. Make sure to keep your mobile phone away from the table and limit your conversations to a reasonable volume.

When attending a social event, it's essential to be mindful of how your phone use may affect the atmosphere. Avoid using your phone when conversing with others, and keep your phone out of sight when possible.

Finally, when in a place of worship, it's appropriate to turn your phone off or switch it to silent mode. It will help maintain a respectful atmosphere and show respect for the traditions of the space.

Tips for Navigating Cell Phone Etiquette

Navigating cell phone etiquette can be tricky, but a few tips can assist in making the process easier.

First, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings and the expectations of the space. If you're in a public setting, take a moment to observe the behaviors of those around you. It will give you a better idea of what is considered acceptable.

Second, if you're expecting an important call or text, it's essential to ensure that your phone is on vibrate or silent mode. It will help keep your conversations private and will prevent any disruptions.

Third, try to avoid using your phone in situations where it's not appropriate. For example, it's best to avoid checking emails or sending texts if you're in a meeting. If you're in a restaurant, it's best to keep your phone away from the table.

Finally, if you're ever in doubt, it's best to err on caution. Be bold and ask if it's okay to use your phone in a given situation or to excuse yourself if you need to make a call politely.

Solution to Common Cell Phone Etiquette Problems

No matter how much we try to follow the rules of cell phone etiquette, mistakes can happen. Here are a few solutions to common cell phone etiquette problems.

If you find yourself in circumstances where your phone is causing disruption, it's best to apologize and try to find a solution. If you're in a meeting or classroom, try to move away from the group to take the call. If you're in a restaurant, offer to take your conversation outside.

If you're ever in a situation where someone else is being disruptive with their phone, it's best to ask them to be respectful of their surroundings politely. If the person is disruptive, it's best to alert a manager or staff member.

Finally, if you need clarification on space rules, it's best to ask. Most people are happy to share their expectations, which can help ensure everyone is on the same page.

Conclusion:

Following these simple guidelines ensures that everyone around you is comfortable and safe. Cell phone etiquette is essential to being a responsible cell phone user, and it's important to remember that your actions impact those around you. Following these dos and don'ts can help ensure your conversations are respectful and considerate.

The cell phone label is a crucial part of being a responsible cell phone user, and it is essential to remember that your actions impact those around you. By following the above dos and don'ts, you can ensure that your conversations are considerate and respectful. Additionally, it's important to remember that cell phone etiquette is not just about yourself but also about the people around you. So be mindful of your actions and always respect the people around you.

Above all, the discussion was about where you should use your phone and where you should keep that away. There are certain etiquettes which have to follow by everyone. These include the places like at the food table, at the movie theatre, at the shopping mall, while walking on the road, while driving, and also what etiquette to follow at home. There are some dos and don'ts of using the phone in public. If you consider each of them, you are experiencing a very pleasing manner. One important thing in all the above instructions is you should exercise international calling behaviors. There are different conditions and situations associated with mobile phones in different cultures. You should learn and respect them. In some places, saying okay might seem rude, but in United States culture, it means you are okay with the thing. So, all these ethics of mobile users are different in different countries.

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The 11 Essential Rules of Phone Etiquette

Updated: January 12, 2022

Published: July 23, 2020

When you're working in customer support, you know that answering phone calls becomes the bread and butter of your position. A frontline worker typically is hired for their strong communication skills.

phone etiquette; image of a phone and two hands high-fiving

While it may seem obvious — just pick up the phone and say "Hello?" — answering professional calls are very different from answer personal calls. It's easy to slip up and accidentally speak to your customer the way you would to your best friend or mother.

However, by following the rules below, you can ensure you're always on your A-game in the call center .

Phone Etiquette

Answer the call within three rings.
Immediately introduce yourself.
Speak clearly.
Only use speakerphone when necessary.
Actively listen and take notes.
Use proper language.
Remain cheerful.
Ask before putting someone on hold or transferring a call.
Be honest if you don't know the answer.
Be mindful of your volume.
Check for and respond to voicemails.

1. Answer a call within three rings.

If your position entails always being available to callers, you should actually be available. That means staying focused and answering calls immediately. The last thing you want to do is keep a customer waiting after a string of endless ringing or send them to voicemail when you should've been able and ready to reply.

As long as you're alert and at your phone at all times — excluding breaks — this rule should be fairly simple to follow. However, we recommend responding within three rings in order give yourself enough time to get in the zone and prepare for the call. Picking up the phone right away might leave you flustered.

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2. Immediately introduce yourself.

Upon picking up the phone, you should confirm with the person whom they have called. In personal calls, it's sufficient to begin with a "Hello?" and let the caller introduce themselves first. However, you want to allow the caller to know if they've hit a wrong number, as well as whom they are speaking with.

Practice answer the phone with, "Hi, this is [Your first name] from [Your company]. How can I help you?" Your customer will be met with warmth, which will encourage a positive start to your call. And, if it ends up being an exasperated college student trying to order pizza, they'll at least appreciate your friendliness.

3. Speak clearly.

Phone calls, while a great option for those who detest in-person interaction, do require very strong communication skills. For one, the person on the other end of the line can only judge you based on your voice, since they don't get to identify your body language and — hopefully — kind smile.

You always want to speak as clearly as possible. Project your voice without shouting. You want to be heard and avoid having to repeat yourself. A strong, confident voice can make a customer trust you and your support more. In case of bad cell service or any inability to hear or be heard, immediately ask to hang up and call back.

4. Only use speakerphone when necessary.

We all know the trials of speakerphone. It's easier for you because you can use your hands to multitask. However, for the other caller, it's like trying to hear one voice through a honking crowd of taxis in Manhattan — impossible and frustrating.

Give your customers your full attention, and avoid speakerphone. This will make it easier for both parties to be heard, and it will ensure that you're actually paying attention to them. You may need to use speakerphone at rare occasions, such as when it's a conference call or when you're trying to troubleshoot on the phone. While speakerphone may be appropriate at these times, it's always better to use a headset to remain hands-free.

5. Actively listen, and take notes.

Speaking of paying attention to your customers, it's essential that you're actively listening to them throughout the conversation. Actively listening means hearing everything they have to say and basing your response off of their comments, rather than using a prescribed script. This proves to your customers that you're present and are empathetic to their inconveniences.

It's helpful to take notes during support calls. You'll want to file a record post-conversation, and notes will be immensely helpful. It also ensures that, during long-winded explanations from customers, you can jot down the main points and jump into problem-solving without requiring them to repeat.

6. Use proper language.

A key difference between professional and personal phone calls is obvious — the language. It might be acceptable to use slang and swears when talking on the phone with your friends, but this kind of language can cause you to lose a customer for life.

Always be mindful and respectful when on the phone. You never know what customers might be offended by something you say, so it's best to use formal language. It's okay to throw in humor if appropriate, but never crack a joke that could upset a customer.

7. Remain cheerful.

You never know when a customer is having a bad day. When someone is rude to you on the phone, your immediate reaction may be to put them in your place. First, though, take a moment to step into their shoes and recognize why they're so upset.

The point is to always remain positive and friendly, especially in the face of negativity. Your optimistic outlook may be enough to turn a failing phone call right around. Remind yourself that the last thing your customer probably wanted was to spend their afternoon on the phone with customer support. So, make that call the best it can be, and it may create a loyal, lifetime customer.

8. Ask before putting someone on hold or transferring a call.

There's often nothing more infuriating than being put on hold. After waiting on hold for ten or fifteen minutes to speak with a real-life human being, you finally get to explain your problem. Then, you're immediately put back on hold and then transferred to someone else to whom you must re-explain the whole problem. Talk about exhausting.

However, if you must put a customer on hold or transfer their call, always ask for their permission first. Explain why it's necessary to do so, and reassure them that you — or another employee — are going to get their problem solved swiftly. By keeping your customer in the loop, they'll be less inclined to complain about a long wait time.

9. Be honest if you don't know the answer.

You might need to put a customer on hold or transfer their call if the dreaded occurs — you don't know the solution. Perhaps you've tried everything you can or simply have no idea what they're talking about. Don't panic; customer support representatives are humans, too, and it's okay not to be the omniscient voice of reason.

It's best to admit when you don't know something, rather than making excuses or giving false solutions. However, tell them that you're going to do everything you can to find an answer and get back to them momentarily, or find a co-worker who does know the answer. Customers don't typically expect you to have all the solutions at hand, but they will expect you to be transparent.

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10. Be mindful of your volume.

You may be so focused on your phone call with a customer that you're barely paying attention to your present setting. When working in a call center, things can get pretty loud. You always want to be mindful of your volume and ensure that you're not disrupting the ability of your co-workers to speak to customers and get their work done.

If you are on a call that requires you to speak louder due to a bad connection or a hard-of-hearing customer, simply step out of the room and speak with them separately. Your customers are always your main concern, but you don't want to inhibit the work ethic of others in your workplace.

11. Check for and respond to voicemails.

It's quite possible that a customer might reach out to you when you're on a break or after you've left work for the day. If it's possible for you to receive voicemails, make sure you're always checking for them. It's easy for a voicemail to slip under the radar, but the customer won't easily forget.

Start and end each day by checking your voicemail. It takes just a few minutes and can avoid a lost customer support request. Your customers will appreciate your prompt response, and you can get on to doing what you do best — providing knowledgeable and friendly support.

These tips should provide you and your team with basic guidelines for phone etiquette and, if executed properly, your company should see significant improvement in customer experience .

However, there will be some interactions where these actions may not be enough to defuse the situation. Some customer interactions will require your team to take special measures to ensure you're meeting the customer's immediate and long-term needs. In the next section, we'll break down a few of these scenarios and what you can do to resolve them.

Customer Service Phone Etiquette

Sometimes you may pick up the phone and immediately have to rebuild a relationship with a customer. These cases should be scarce, but they will happen to even the best customer service teams. It's important to use the correct phone etiquette in these types of cases to produce the most effective outcome for both the customer and the company. To help you prepare, below are a few common challenges that most customer service reps will face when working on the phone.

1. The customer is asking you to do something that you can't.

The only "downside" to providing great customer service is that sometimes your customers expect too much from you. When you're constantly fulfilling their needs they may ask you to do something that you simply don't have the power to do, or is against your company's policy. Often times they're not making a malicious request, but rather the customer thinks your team is so effective it can provide an advanced service.

In these cases, you should do your best to reset expectations for the customer regarding what your service team can and can't do. It helps if you can provide the customer with a document or knowledge base article that outlines your policy and answers any additional questions customers may have. While you should be able to explain your company's policy on your own, offering a standardized document helps build credibility for your argument. The customer knows you're not making up this response on the spot and there's a reason for why you can't perform the requested action.

2. The customer insists on staying on the phone until their problem is resolved.

Customers are dedicated to reaching their goals and some will do nearly anything to achieve success, even if that means staying on the phone until they get their way. This motivation can sometimes lead to stressful situations where customers become agitated because a rep can't perform a specific action. These cases are rare but they will happen, especially if your product is imperative for customer success .

The best measure to take in these cases is to provide proactive customer service . Pay attention to cues in the customer's tone and vocabulary that would indicate frustration or stress. Then prevent escalation by acknowledging the roadblock as well as how the problem impacts the customer's workflow. This demonstrates to the customer that you have been actively listening to their request and are aligned with their goals.

If you can't defuse the situation, the next best step is to initiate a follow up plan. Let the customer know that you would like to look into the issue further and would like to follow up via their preferred contact method. If the customer is resistant to getting off the phone, explain how you need to get in touch with internal references who can assist you with the issue. Make it clear that it's in the customer's best interest to hang up the phone and follow up at a later time. If that's not possible, contact your manager immediately to intervene with the situation.

3. The customer is demanding to speak with a manager.

Many customers think that demanding to speak with management will help resolve their case faster. In actuality, customer service managers dictate the company's stance on customer service issues and will echo the rep's initial response if it's in accordance with their policy. This can lead to poor customer experiences as customers will feel like the company has failed to meet their individual needs.

Instead of escalating to your manager, try to handle the case on your own. You can certainly ask your manager for advice but make sure they're not actively participating in the conversation with the customer. The moment you bring in your manager you're actively admitting to the customer that you can't solve their issue on your own.

Sometimes customers will demand outright to speak with your manager. For these cases we recommend implementing a one strike rule, meaning if a customer asks to speak with your manager then you have one chance to prevent the escalation. Confidently tell the customer that their best chance of resolving the issue is with your help and outline the steps you're going to take to assist them. If that doesn't work, ask to follow up with management at a later time or directly connect them with your manager.

4. The customer doesn't understand your explanation.

Phones are great for providing immediate support for simple and easy-to-fix issues but they can be tricky to work on when cases become more complex. Both you and the customer have to keep track of important case details to ensure you're on the same page throughout the troubleshooting process. In these cases, it's easy for customers to misinterpret information and become confused about the steps you're recommending. Even if you're providing detailed troubleshooting steps, your in-depth explanation may be too advanced for the customer's level of product knowledge.

For these scenarios, leverage customer service tools that can help clarify your explanation. Tools like screenshares and virtual assistants provide hands-on support and guide customers through each step of the troubleshooting process. This way you can ensure they're following your recommendations properly and answer any questions that have at that moment.

If you don't have access to these types of tools, there are plenty of free options available for your team. Check out this complete list of free help desk software that your team can use for its troubleshooting efforts.

5. The customer is keeping you on the phone for too long.

Customers value their time, but so do customer service reps. Most reps have a case quota that they need to reach every day and will fall short if they get stuck on a lengthy call. When you're dealing with 30+ calls each day, you can't afford to be bogged down by an hour-long call. This presents you with a tricky challenge of meeting customer needs as well as your own career goals.

While you should give each customer your utmost attention and dedication to their problem, be mindful of how long you're on the phone with a customer. When you're no longer making any significant progress on the case, ask to follow up with them. Explain why you need to follow up and how this will lead to a faster resolution. This measure not only helps you reach your daily goals but will proactively demonstrate that you're being mindful of the customer's time.

For more information about improving customer service, read this post on customer service tips for startups .

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10 Modern Cell Phone Manners & Etiquette Tips

National cell phone courtesy month.

We live in a world where texting someone in the same room is considered normal.

When did smartphones become such an integrated part of our lives? When we incessantly text, email, and call, we lose the value of face-to-face contact. According to the Pew Research Center, 30 percent of young adults who own a cell phone pretend to be using their phone — to avoid social interaction.

July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month and it’s the perfect time to reflect on your mobile phone habits. Although 95 percent of U.S adults own a cellular device, spending a little less time on the phone and a little more time in the present improves our face-to-face relationship building.

Here are 10 modern cell phone manners & etiquette tips to use year round:

Hidden cell phone: Whether you are attending an important business meeting, on a date, or in a casual setting with friends and family, keep your phone out of sight. Placing your phone on the table or desk sends the clear message that they are not your number-one priority. According to Forbes, 84% of working professionals believe texting or sending emails during a formal business meeting is highly unacceptable and rude.
Silent Smartphone: It’s polite and responsible to turn off your cell phone before meetings, meals, and meaningful moments – like dates! If you can’t turn your device off, turn it to silent or vibrate. Your phone is not a replacement for an in-person meeting.
Exceptions: There are exceptions to every rule: A) Doctors, nurses, first responders, and health providers B) Those expecting emergency calls C) Those who have an infant with a babysitter, or a person with a caregiver D) Those momentarily sharing photos with others E) Those researching an important request, such as directions.
Excuse Me: If accepting an emergency call, excuse yourself as quietly and calmly as possible from the gathering with an apology. For example, “I apologize, however this is urgent, please excuse me. I will return in a moment.”
Step away from your phone, take a deep breath, and count to 30 to attempt to dissolve negative emotions towards the receiver
Ask a friend to advise whether your content is appropriate
Carefully consider the repercussions – are you making a valid contribution or a faux pas ?
Respond promptly: When you miss a call, text, or email, respond in an appropriate and timely manner by apologizing for missing their message. Then respond with substance.
10-foot rule: When making or taking a call, move 10 feet away from the building including windows. No one wants to see you nervously pacing or gesturing during your conversation. Step outside when responding to a call while in a house of worship, medical office, library, theatre, or hospital. Refrain from confidential conversations on planes, trains, and automobiles.
Don’t Talk & Drive: Many cities now ban smartphone use while driving, including Austin, Texas. If you must use the phone, drive to a safe area away from traffic. New vehicle technology comes with integrated hands-off, bluetooth options. If your vehicle has this technology, be attentive to the road and use caution. Safety first!
The Cellular Crutch: Your phone isn’t a gadget to turn-to when you are not sure what to do in uncomfortable situations. If you walk into a new office, or a wedding reception and don’t know anyone, take time to engage face-to-face. Deferring back to your phone as a crutch will keep you from truly connecting with new people. Practice improving your face-to-face interactions by turning your cell phone off, or leaving it hidden in the car.
Focus Attention Towards Other Hobbies: We tend to use our phones everywhere- at parties, at work, before we go to sleep. This dramatically impacts how much, or how little, we accomplish daily. Make a conscious effort to focus on projects, without the distraction of constantly checking your phone for email, texts, or surfing the web.

Cell phone addiction is real; don’t be a part of the 72 percent of people who won’t move five feet from their phone. Start practicing these modern cell phone manners & etiquette tips and you will develop excellent habits year-round!

Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a cross-cultural trainer, modern manners expert, and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE centre, she serves as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. She is the resident etiquette expert on two popular lifestyle shows: ABC Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend and CBS Austin’s We Are Austin. She is regularly quoted by BBC Capital, Investor’s Business Daily, Fortune, and the National Business Journals. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, now in its third printing, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2015. She’s a winner of the British Airways International Trade Award at the 2016 Greater Austin Business Awards.

I don’t hear very well! I can hear my cell phone better on speaker phone! Is it rude switch to speaker phone at home so i can hear the caller better!

Dear Mr. Dennis, Thanks for your question about hearing on cell phones that so many struggle with – the speakers are so tiny! I focus on mutual consideration by asking the person on the call if I may put them on speaker. I explain three things: I listen to them more closely, I hear better and I advise who else is in the room, if anyone. Placing someone on speaker phone without asking permission or advising them can be awkward and makes many people uncomfortable. They wonder why – and who else is in the room, vehicle or listening.

How to Practice Cell Phone Etiquette

Last Updated: June 5, 2023

This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor . Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. This article has been viewed 401,090 times.

Rude cellphone users are anywhere that there's a cell phone signal. Most people who are being impolite don't even realize what they're doing. Could that be you?

Step 1 Remember that it is you using your mobile phone, not someone else.

Waiting rooms
Restaurants
Auditoriums
Places of worship
Live performances
Movie theaters
While visiting relatives
Or, in fact, anywhere else where people are likely to be disturbed, unless it is important and you can't go anywhere.

Step 10 Don't use your phone when having a meal with someone.

Use the vibrate feature instead of an audible text alert.
Only text when you're standing still or sitting and out of anyone's way. Don't text while you walk or drive.
Don't text while doing anything that requires you to be attentive, such as waiting at an intersection for the pedestrian signal.
Don't text while at a meeting or conference. You should give the speaker your undivided attention.
Limit phone use during gatherings with your friends. Some friends (with or without cell phones) will find it annoying and inconsiderate.
Avoid sending others text messages containing anything that you would not say in real life. It is very hard to convey tones and sarcasm in texting and email, so realize that some things may come across as sounding unusual or even offensive. Never send a message with sexual overtones, or one that could be construed as a threat.
Avoid ending text messaging abruptly–– end a text conversation by keeping the recipient informed with a polite excuse to cover your intention end the chat.

Community Q&A

Make sure that there is no sound associated with striking the keys. Although texting is non-invasive, incessant sounds made while pressing each key can be unnerving for others. The key tone can be raised, lowered, or disabled on many phones. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
There are certain situations where you can simply silence your phone, and others where it is better to leave it off. Silence your phone in meetings, appointments, and social gatherings. Turn your phone off in very formal areas, such as fancy restaurants, and especially religious gatherings. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Moderate your ring volume. If your phone is within twelve inches of you, it's doubtful you will need the ring volume at it's highest level. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Don't take pictures of others without asking them first. Never, under any circumstances, take or send a sexually-explicit picture. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Talking or texting on the phone while driving is very dangerous, and in some places are illegal. Don't do it. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Be aware that using a hands-free headset or earpiece while driving can be just as distracting as holding the phone to talk. The human brain is simply not designed to concentrate on more than one thing at a time. If you are trying to hold a conversation with someone who is a long way away, then your attention is not on the road. Be extremely careful, and opt for only emergency use. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
If in a medical office, hospital, or airplane, your phone could negatively affect the equipment. You should turn it off in these places. Alternatively, your phone may have an option called Airplane Mode which prevents it from communicating with the cell towers, which is what disrupts such equipment. You won't be able to send or receive calls or text/media messages, or go online, but you can still use the camera, media player, calendar, or other features. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

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Gadgetwise | cellphone etiquette for kids, cellphone etiquette for kids.

Remember those triangle-shape notes you used to pass to friends between your classes? To today’s middle-schooler, cellphones are like those — times 50. They’re also Polaroid cameras, tape recorders, CB radios, flashlights, a stack of favorite music albums and a photo scrapbook — not to mention a social lifeline at a time when relationships seem as important as oxygen.

To an increasing number of parents and grandparents, cellphones in youthful hands are an irritation on par with a swarm of mosquitoes. This pocket-size miracle just may be an intergenerational wedge larger than rock ’n’ roll ever was. So perhaps it’s time for a dose of old-fashioned digital etiquette, for both parents and kids. Gadgetwise readers, if you have your own ideas for parenting in the cellphone age, feel free to contribute.

Here’s my list, starting with what kids should know:

• Always take calls from the person who is paying the bill.

• Please (PLZ) and thank you (TY) work like magic, even if you text them. Manners will never go out of style, in any form.

• Abide by your school or library’s cellphone policy. A ring during an art lesson can land you in detention, just as unsilenced phones can get your mom or dad in trouble during a religious service or on the commuter bus from Flemington to Port Authority.

• Be charitable. Your phone is a powerful tool that can help a kid stranded after soccer practice.

• Don’t be sneaky. Instead of hiding your cellphone under the picnic table, let everyone in on the unfolding drama of your text streams. You’ll be surprised how much adults love gossip, and it helps them learn about what’s going on in your life.

• Timing is everything, especially when you take that call. If you politely excuse yourself and step into the next room, you might just avoid Grandpa’s ire.

• Don’t get your friends in trouble. If you know they’re at a family dinner or it is getting late, be polite and say “text me when your dinner is over.”

• Don’t text bad words or embarrassing messages friends. It can get you and your friend in trouble when their parents snoop through their messages. And they do.

• Planning an argument? Do it in person. Cellphones are also recorders, and text messages can end up on a Facebook page.

• Earbuds and open screens say, “go away; I don’t want to talk to you.” Try pulling out your ear buds and closing your screen, and giving someone your full attention. It works like magic.

• Look them in the eyes. The technical term for it is “interpersonal communication” — and it’s such a big deal that the educational psychologist Howard Gardner counts it as a multiple intelligence . You don’t develop these skills if you’re glued to a screen.

• Keep something disarming as your wallpaper, like one of your parents’ wedding photos, just in case your phone gets confiscated.

As for parents and other adults, here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Teach your children basic cellphone functions –- like mute. Be there when they pick their PIN, set up voicemail and other features. This is the time to learn along with your child, while the novelty of the gadget is still there, and they still like you.

• Let them teach you. Say “how did you do that?” whenever they discover a new feature, and have them explain it to you.

• Make your next phone one with a QWERTY keyboard, to help with your texts.

• Establish phone-free times or zones where your children’s phones are out of mind. This can free them from the temptation of wondering if that important text message has arrived.

• Forbidden fruit often looks better than it actually is. If you clamp down on cellphone use with a lot of time limits and restrictions, you risk creating a clandestine, under-the-table texter who could create a run on Verizon stock. And there’s an app for that -– like the mosquito ring tone . That’s the ring tone that kids can hear, that parents can’t. Why? Too much rock ’n’ roll, probably.

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Warren: I find this column to be off base.

You do have some good suggestions (like being polite), but you are treating a cell phone as if it’s a kid’s right, not a privilege to be earned.

1. If the school rules are “No cell phones.” don’t bring them to school. Parents take notice!

2. Never use PLZ or TY. Spell them out. Do not be lazy.

3. Don’t use your cell phone at a picnic table. Shut it off and be social.

4. Same at Granpa’s house. You don’t have a lot more time with him.

5. A QWERTY keyboard will just make it easier to text and be rude to people.

6. If your kids violates your rules, take the phone away!

7. Tell your kids not to gossip, and certainly don’t ask them to share.

How about: Keep your phones put away during movies. Even if you think your silent texting isn’t bothering anyone, the lit up screen is very distracting in a dark movie theater (or, might I add, at a live theater performance). And this doesn’t just go for kids. People seem to think that if they hunch over their phones in the theater, I won’t be irritated by it. I am.

I’m surprised that this post doesn’t mention that cellphones are officially prohibited in all NYC public schools.

Timely advice for us, as we’ve just decided to get our son a cell phone when school begins. (He’s at a school in the next town and last year that was problematic when we had bus/transportation problems and no way to reach him or him us.)

But we’re thinking that…to start…we would pay the $5 monthly fee to have parental controls and we would start by limiting phone and text so that he can only use it with family – no friends. (He’s entering 7th grade.) We want to try that for the first semester, then gradually introduce priviledges as we go along…e.g. for the holidays allow phone calls to and from friends….add texting at the end of the school year, etc. We were thinking that a graduated approach would give him a chance at some self-discipline, and he could earn his way to more and more priviledges with the phone.

Wishful thinking on our part? Or reasonable approach? I’d love to hear feedback from parents who have been SUCCESSFUL at getting their preteen to use a phone RESPONSIBLY! (If such a thing exists….)

Rule #1 – Don’t give your middle school kids a cell phone. I work with middle school kids. If anyone thinks they will follow these rules they’re nuts.

Great column! I think I’ll make it required reading for students in my fall classes. I’m e-mailing it to my teacher list-serv friends.

Which child is going to be reading the NYTimes to get this list? Or is that another thing parents have to nag them about?

This list is blindingly obvious. What’s not that easy is actually getting young cell phone users to understand and comply with such etiquette rules …

Mr. Warren Buckleitner:

Your excellent observations and suggestions on cellphones do not fully address how this technology affects the classroom. Our school system still follows the model established three centuries ago: a group leader (the teacher) and participants (the students) engage in live, face-to-face, meaninguful dialogues whithin four walls. The cellphone destroys the dynamics of the classroom. That magical learning environment established by the teacher is undone by text messaging, cell phones ringing, etc.

Dear Warrn:

Thank you for this article. I appreciate that you don’t treat middle schoolers with cell phones as the end of civilization as we know it.

I am currently a 23-year-old, financially independent, working professional with strong friendships and a good relationship with my parents. I was once a middle schooler with a cell phone.

I recognize that constant texting is infuriating to many adults (and heck, it bothers me when my peers do it) but it is a price that I believe many of us are willing to pay if it means that we can reach teens and tweens on demand and that they have a way to reach us if things go wrong (whether they’re that kid at soccer practice or a 15-year-old wanting to leave a party when the alcohol comes out). What is needed–and I think you capture this well–is an increased sense of responsibility and adult behavior to go along with the technology, not the banning of it altogether.

Thanks for voicing what may be an unpopular viewpoint!

I completely agree with your list of cell phone etiquette for kids. With that said, word of advice for parents who are thinking about getting their kids cell phones. Go with a prepaid plan so you don’t have to worry about crazy phone bills and monthly payments. Seriously, kids don’t need to have unlmited texting and minutes. I spent $29.99 on a Net-10 phone for my 10 yr. old and it came with 300 min. He can earn more minutes if he helps out with things around the house or good grades. And if you kid misbehaves, you have the option of taking the phone away without paying a penalty fee!

Thanks for your focus on phone etiquette for kids. A contract-free (or ‘pre-paid’) phone service is indeed a great idea for kids. Ultimately, whether or not a child gets a cell phone is their parents’ decision. We founded kajeet (www.kajeet.com) as a contract-free service designed just for kids (including our own). It is the only contract-free cell phone service with parental controls (which are free). These controls allow you to reinforce cell phone etiquette rules: you can set who can call or text and when, which services work, who pays for what calls and texts, and much more. And we’re the only contract-free service with a GPS Phone Finder. We make sure all of our mobile content is kid-appropriate. We’re proud of the fact that in the last 8 months we’ve won 3 parenting awards. We’ll do our best to reinforce good phone etiquette for families who choose kajeet.

Best, Daniel Neal, CEO & Founder, kajeet Inc.

Cell phones are becoming an erratic problem in kids. I cannot go through a single class without witnessing a kid pull out his phone, quickly type his reply, send it, and then tuck it back in his pocket before the teacher notices. Not only are they distracting kids from classwork, they are promoting kids to use their brains on a lesser level. Abbreviations are used for almost every phrase you can think of, people purposely misspell things, etc. Shouldn’t parents be promoting their child’s intelligence, not giving them a tool in which they can use that on a worse level? Kids should not be able to have cell phones because they are a distraction in class. Parents are constantly “texting” (which is not even a word) their children. Shouldn’t they be allowing their child to learn? Learning is a great thing, and it should not be taken for granted. I’m sure that plenty of children in the world would give all they have to attend school, and yet, kids in America are wasting their class time by sending messages to each other. Isn’t this terrible? Sure, the advancement of technology is terrific, but think about it; is it worth jeopardizing a child’s learning experience so they can send a couple of messages? Children should not have cell phones at all. Emergencies should be addressed with an adult, such as a teacher, not through a phone. Every classroom has its own phone, so a student can easily use that if an emergency were to occur. There is no reason for a child to have and use a cell phone. It is a disgrace to society. These are the kids that we are raising, and if they grow up abbreviating and misspelling things, most likely, they will do it for the rest of their lives. Therefore, we will live in a very stupid world. I correct my piers at any chance I get when they mispronounce, misspell, abbreviate, etc. If this matter is not controlled, we will have a problem later in life. Already, there are essays I see with abbreviations on them. “Omg, I couldn’t believe it!” one essay reads. “I couldn’t help but lol,” it later states. It isn’t the case with one essay, either. This is becoming an accommodation.

You can’t blame me for being a stickler. This is my future, and I have to take the matter in my hands.

Thanks for your nice suggestions. Some cellphone are good for kids. When I read your post, I am really surprised. I completely agree with your information. Your comments and suggestions are excellent.

Cute Cell Phone Accessories

I loved your article! I am 13 yrs. old and in 8th grade. I got a phone last year and it was a gophone. I got a new phone for Christmas this year from a company named Kajeet. They have REALLY cheap plans and lots of parental control options, and even better their clame-to-fame is that their service is made for kids. Your article is very down-to-earth and it really makes sence. You take into consideration the fact that we are not dependent on phones but we use them very…hmmm whats the word… unconservantly I guess you could call it. Kids (at least at my school) are not supposed to use their phones in class or even have them visible, but yet there is always a certain few that ignore that rule. I like how you even had ideas for how to get the parents and the kids together and talking in a peaceful manner (even if they are talking about cell phones). I enjoyed reading your article. I read the comments and did not like comment number 7, in this day in age kids read these things by accident, but they still read them. For comment number 12: not all students abuse their phone priveleges this way. We do not always misspell things on purpose and we abbreviate because the phones dont let us send long messages. Many people find a problem with a small portion of kids with phones and accuse all of doing the same thing and that is not the case at all. I found this article because I was specifically looking for it and think that it was a very well expressed article and I will be recommending it to my friends in the future.

I think a cell phone can be a great way to teach a kid responsibility, such as allowing them to earn extra minutes or whatever by doing chores, etc. Certainly don’t just give them one with no strings attached. If they work for it, it will mean more.

As for the etiquette aspect: Keep the phone off, or at least on silent when DRIVING, at church, in the theater, in school/library, funeral, wedding, nice restaurant, family meal, etc.

I love that old-souled thirteen-year-old, and hope s/he won’t mind my mentioning that “peers” is the spelling for that usage, not “piers.” That said, BRAVO!

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Americans’ Views on Mobile Etiquette

‘Always on’ mobile connectivity poses new challenges for users about when to be present with those nearby or engaged with others on their screens

Table of contents.

Chapter 1: Always on Connectivity
Chapter 2: Phone Use in Public Areas
Chapter 3: When it is acceptable — or not — to use cellphones in public spaces
Chapter 4: Phone use in social gatherings
About This Report

Cellphones and smartphones have become a mainstay in the lives of many Americans, and this has introduced new challenges into how users and non-users alike approach basic social norms and etiquette. People are sorting through new rules of civility in an environment where once-private conversations can easily be overheard in public places and where social gatherings can be disrupted by participants focusing on digital screens instead of their in-person companions.

This Pew Research Center report explores newly released survey findings about Americans’ views about the appropriateness of cellphone use in public places and in social gatherings and the way those views sometimes conflict with their own behaviors.

The results are based on a nationally representative survey of 3,217 adults on Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel , 3,042 of whom are cellphone users.

For many Americans, cellphones are always present and rarely turned off — and this constant connectivity creates new social challenges

This “always-on” reality has disrupted long-standing social norms about when it is appropriate for people to shift their attention away from their physical conversations and interactions with others towards digital encounters with people and information that are enabled by their mobile phone.

It turns out that people think different kinds of public and social settings warrant different sensitivities about civil behavior. For instance, fully 77% of all adults think it is generally OK for people to use their cellphones while walking down the street and 75% believe it is OK for others to use phones on public transit. But only 38% think it is generally OK for others to use cellphones at restaurants and just 5% think it is generally OK to use a cellphone at a meeting.

Mobile devices play a complex role in modern social interactions — many Americans view them as harmful and distracting to group dynamics, even as they can’t resist the temptation themselves

People Have Varying Views About When It Is OK Or Not OK To Use Their Cellphones

As a general proposition, Americans view cell phones as distracting and annoying when used in social settings — but at the same time, many use their own devices during group encounters.

When asked for their views on how mobile phone use impacts group interactions, 82% of adults say that when people use their phones in these settings it frequently or occasionally hurts the conversation. Meanwhile, 33% say that cell phone use in these situations frequently or occasionally contributes to the conversation and atmosphere of the group. Women are more likely than men to feel cell use at social gatherings hurts the group: 41% of women say it frequently hurts the gathering vs. 32% of men who say that the same. Similarly, those over age 50 (45%) are more likely than younger cell owners (29%) to feel that cellphone use frequently hurts group conversations.

Fully 89% of cellphone owners say they used their phone during the most recent social gathering they attended

In spite of this widespread feeling that cellphone use during social gatherings can be more of a hindrance than a help, it is almost universally the case that people use their own cellphones during these gatherings and observe other members of their social groups doing the same.

89% of Cell Owners Used Their Phones During Their Most Recent Social Activity with Others

When asked about some specific ways they might have used their cellphone during their most recent social gathering, a majority of cell owners indicated they used their phone to send or read a message, take photos or videos, or receive an incoming call. Fewer used their phones for such things as checking to see if they had any alerts, placing a call, using an app, or searching or browsing the web. In all, 89% of cellphone owners reported using their phone in at least one of these eight ways during their most recent social gathering.

Many are using their phones in social settings for purposes that are connected to the gathering

In addition to asking how these individuals used their mobile phones during their most recent social gathering, the survey also included a follow-up question asking what those users are hoping to accomplish by using their phone.

As it turns out, a share are trying to avoid or disengage from the people they are physically present with: 16% used their phone because they are no longer interested in what the group was doing; 15% wanted to connect with other people who are strangers to the group; and 10% used their phone to avoid participating in what the group was discussing.

However, it was more often the case that people used their cellphone in a manner tied to the gathering:

45% used their phone to post a picture or video they had taken of the gathering .
41% used their phone to share something that had occurred in the group by text, email or social networking site.
38% used their phone to get information they thought would be interesting to the group .
31% used their phone to connect with other people who are known to the group .

In all, 78% cited at least one of these four “group-contributing” reasons, compared with 30% who used their phone for one of the three “retreating-from-the-group” reasons.

When using their cellphones in public spaces, most users do so for information gathering and social purposes, rather than explicitly anti-social purposes

Constant mobility is also changing the ways in which Americans can interact with information and other people while outside the bounds of explicitly “social” settings. Indeed, many cellphone owners are using their mobile devices while out in public for a variety of reasons, and while their visible actions might seem rude or inconsiderate to an outside observer, in many instances they are using their phone to further their social engagement with others.

Cellphone users frequently use their phones while in public for basic social or information-oriented tasks, such as:

looking up information about where they are going or how to get there: 65% of cell owners do that frequently or occasionally
coordinating get-togethers with others: 70% do that frequently or occasionally
catching up with family and friends: 67% do that frequently or occasionally.

Many also report using their phones to pass the time or catch up on other tasks or to get information about the people they are planning to see, but these activities are less frequent.

People Use Their Cellphones in Public for a Variety of Purposes

Young adults have higher tolerance for cellphone use in public and in social settings; they also are more likely to have used their phone during a recent social gathering

Young Adults Are the Most Likely to Use Their Cellphones In Public Places for a Variety of Reasons

Those ages 18 to 29 stand out from their elders on virtually every aspect of how mobile activities fit into their social lives, how they act with their phones and their views about the appropriateness of using phones in public and social settings. Younger adults are more engaged with their devices and permissive in their attitudes about when it is OK to use a mobile phone. Of course, older adults, especially senior citizens, are generally less likely than younger adults to own a mobile phone in the first place and are also less likely to use their phone for activities other than voice calls. This might be a factor in some of these differences.

It is important to note, though, that Americans of all ages generally trend in the same direction about when it is OK or not to use cells in public settings. Fully “public” venues are viewed by all age groups as generally acceptable places to use one’s cellphone, while usage in quiet or more intimate settings is mostly frowned upon by all.

Young Adults Are the Most Likely To Have Used Their Phones During a Recent Social Gathering

Along with being more tolerant than their elders about cellphone use in public, younger adults also tend to use their phones for a wider range of purposes while out and about in public. For instance, 52% of cellphone owners ages 18 to 29 say that they frequently use their phone to look up information about where they are going while out in public, compared with 9% of cell users 65 and older who do this frequently. Similarly, 49% of younger cell users say they frequently use their phone to coordinate getting together with others while they are out and about, compared with just 12% of seniors.

Young adults who have cellphones are also more likely than seniors to have used their cellphone during their most recent social gathering. Fully 98% of young adults used their cellphone for one reason or another during their most recent get-together with others, compared with 69% of cell owners 65 and older.

About This Survey

Data in this report is drawn from Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel, a probability-based, nationally representative panel. This survey was conducted May 30, 2014 through June 30, 2014 among 3,217 adults, including 3,042 cellphone users. The margin of error on the full sample is plus or minus 2.2 percentage points and for the cell-user sample is 2.3 points. For more information on the American Trends Panel, please see the Methods section at the end of this report and these further details about the panel’s construction, composition and maintenance.

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10 Modern Cell Phone Manners & Etiquette Tips

International Protocol Expert, Best Selling Author, Cross-Cultural Consultant

Deferring back to your phone as a crutch will keep you from truly connecting with new people.

National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

We live in a world where texting someone in the same room is considered normal.

When did smartphones become such an integrated part of our lives? When we incessantly text, email, and call, we lose the value of face-to-face contact. According to the Pew Research Center , 30 percent of young adults who own a cell phone pretend to be using their phone -- to avoid social interaction.

July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month and it’s the perfect time to reflect on your mobile phone habits. Although 95 percent of U.S adults own a cellular device , spending a little less time on the phone and a little more time in the present improves our face-to-face relationship building.

Here are 10 modern cell phone manners & etiquette tips to use year round:

1. Hidden cell phone: Whether you are attending an important business meeting, on a date, or in a casual setting with friends and family, keep your phone out of sight. Placing your phone on the table or desk sends the clear message that they are not your number-one priority. According to Forbes , 84% of working professionals believe texting or sending emails during a formal business meeting is highly unacceptable and rude.

2. Silent Smartphone: It’s polite and responsible to turn off your cell phone before meetings, meals, and meaningful moments – like dates! If you can’t turn your device off, turn it to silent or vibrate. Your phone is not a replacement for an in-person meeting.

3. Exceptions: There are exceptions to every rule: A) Doctors, nurses, first responders, and health providers B) Those expecting emergency calls C) Those who have an infant with a babysitter, or a person with a caregiver D) Those momentarily sharing photos with others E) Those researching an important request, such as directions.

4. Excuse Me: If accepting an emergency call, excuse yourself as quietly and calmly as possible from the gathering with an apology. For example, “I apologize, however this is urgent, please excuse me. I will return in a moment.”

5. Consider Content Carefully: With cell phones, spontaneity can be contagious. Remember, once a text, tweet or post is sent, it’s live. Sure, you can delete it, but it’s out there on the Internet, just waiting to bite you back! According to a YouGov Omnibus survey , 57% of Americans regret a text or social media post they’ve sent. So use common sense and don’t post inappropriate photos, or text while consuming adult beverages. Avoid profanity. Consider these tips when the urge strikes to send a spontaneous message:

Step away from your phone, take a deep breath, and count to 30 to attempt to dissolve negative emotions towards the receiver
Ask a friend to advise whether your content is appropriate
Carefully consider the repercussions - are you making a valid contribution or a faux pas ?

6. Respond promptly: When you miss a call, text, or email, respond in an appropriate and timely manner by apologizing for missing their message. Then respond with substance.

7. 10-foot rule: When making or taking a call, move 10 feet away from the building including windows. No one wants to see you nervously pacing or gesturing during your conversation. Step outside when responding to a call while in a house of worship, medical office, library, theatre, or hospital. Refrain from confidential conversations on planes, trains, and automobiles.

8. Don’t Talk & Drive: Many cities now ban smartphone use while driving, including Austin, Texas . If you must use the phone, drive to a safe area away from traffic. New vehicle technology comes with integrated hands-off, bluetooth options. If your vehicle has this technology, be attentive to the road and use caution. Safety first!

9. The Cellular Crutch: Your phone isn’t a gadget to turn-to when you are not sure what to do in uncomfortable situations. If you walk into a new office, or a wedding reception and don’t know anyone, take time to engage face-to-face. Deferring back to your phone as a crutch will keep you from truly connecting with new people. Practice improving your face-to-face interactions by turning your cell phone off, or leaving it hidden in the car.

10. Focus Attention Towards Other Hobbies: We tend to use our phones everywhere- at parties, at work, before we go to sleep. This dramatically impacts how much, or how little, we accomplish daily. Make a conscious effort to focus on projects, without the distraction of constantly checking your phone for email, texts, or surfing the web.

Sharon Schweitzer , J.D., is a cross-cultural trainer, modern manners expert, and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE centre, she serves as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie , on Nat Geo People . She is the resident etiquette expert on two popular lifestyle shows: ABC Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend and CBS Austin’s We Are Austin . She is regularly quoted by BBC Capital, Investor’s Business Daily, Fortune, and the National Business Journals. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide , now in its third printing, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2015. She’s a winner of the British Airways International Trade Award at the 2016 Greater Austin Business Awards .

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Modern Etiquette: mobile manners for cellphone users

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4 Essential Cell Phone Rules

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Cell phones are everywhere—and that means more chances for them to be used in a rude or annoying way. Here are four tips for good cell phone manners:

Turn it off. If the ringing of your phone is going to bother the people around you—especially if you’re in a meeting, at a play or movie or concert, or in a quiet place like a library or church—turn your phone off or switch the ringer to silent or vibrate mode.
Step away. Whenever you’re around other people and you receive or make a cell phone call, move a short distance away so that you can talk without disturbing the people around you. If you’re with a group, simply excuse yourself for a few minutes: “Sorry, I need to take this call. I’ll be right back.” Then keep the call as brief as possible.
Don’t say anything personal, private, or confidential if you’re in a place where others might be able to overhear you. Instead, arrange a time to call back when you can speak privately.
Watch the volume. For some reason, people’s "phone voices" are always louder than the voice they use in normal conversation. Add to that the noise of a busy sidewalk or the background noise of a public place, and the urge to shout can become overwhelming. But remember—you’re the one fighting to hear over the noise, not the person you’re speaking with. So give everyone a break, and remember to tone it down.
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A Better Answer Blog

Why phone etiquette is important and 9 ways to improve yours.

by Jessica Brown , on Aug 15, 2019 7:05:00 AM

From text to email, there are many ways to communicate in the modern age. In business, talking on the phone has proven to be the most important medium of them all, still . A single phone call can be the deciding factor on whether you gain or lose a customer.

Below, we are going to discuss the importance of phone etiquette and tips to maintain your clarity and professionalism while over the phone.

Why is Phone Etiquette Important?

In business and your personal life, first impressions are important. First impressions, more often than not affect the long-term reputation of the company. Phone conversations can be the first form of communication a customer has with a business.

If a customer has a bad experience on the phone, they may have a negative view of the business that never changes; no matter how hard you try. Having good phone etiquette plays a large part in maintaining a strong connection with your customers and ensuring an air of professionalism. Good phone etiquette can separate you from the rest of the market and encourage customers to call back once more.

Download: Improve your customer service with these 3 strategies!

Over the phone, effective communication is already more difficult compared to a face-to-face encounter. Studies show that 55% of communication is about body language.

For example:

Some clues of positive body language are relaxed body posture and emphasizing words with your hands. The customer can not see any instances of positive body language over the phone, so you have to go the extra mile to help them have a positive experience. Phone etiquette is an important part of establishing a strong connection with your customers.

9 Ways to Improve Phone Etiquette for Business

But, the question arises, what is good phone etiquette? Read below to learn tips and tricks to improve your phone etiquette within your business.

1. Answer Quickly

If you are on hold waiting on the phone, do you like waiting for long periods of time? Customers don’t either, especially potential customers that are calling your business for the first time. To reduce their wait time, answer the phone call between the first and second ring. There is also such a thing as answering too quickly . Most people are accustomed to waiting at least until the first ring in order to hear an answer. If you answer quicker than that, then you may catch them off guard and leave them feeling frazzled.

2. Greet Calls Courteously

When customers call your business, whether through an inbound call center or directly, they want to talk to someone who has a professional tone and is pleasant. Be sure to include a generous greeting to fully inform the customer who they are speaking to. A typical greeting would include a salutation, your name, and the business name.

3. Smile as You Speak

Since the customer on the other side can’t see you, you may believe that smiling while you speak does not make a big difference. But, that is definitely not the case . Smiling when you speak changes the tone of your voice and makes you sound more positive. This will influence customers to stay on the phone longer and give you more opportunities to make that important sale.

4. Speak Clearly

During phone conversations, it is important to clearly convey your message. As mentioned previously, communicating effectively on the phone is already a difficult task to accomplish. To maintain clarity, avoid mumbling, speaking too quickly, or having a volume that is too loud or soft. This avoids miscommunication between you and the customer. Also be sure to properly enunciate your words so you and the customer won’t waste time trying to figure out who said what.

5. Ask Permission and Say Thanks

If you have to go off the line for any reason, be sure to ask the customer’s permission first. Once you get back on the line, thank them for their patience. This is important to maintain your professionalism and ensure the customer that you know that their time is valuable.

6. Never Interrupt

Don’t interrupt your customer at any period of the conversation. It is often perceived as rude and certainly the quickest way to getting hung up on.

7. Stay Focused

Office environments can be quite distracting and hectic thus maintaining a clear phone conversation can be quite difficult. Block out any coworkers or external noises that you may be dealing with in the present. If it is impossible, you may want to take the call in a less hectic part of the office where you easily focus on the task at hand. It is crucial that you make the customer feel like they are heard and that their time is important to you - because it is.

8. Recap Key Facts

Recapping key facts is a good way to ensure that there is clarity between both parties. Summarize what the caller said in your own words and repeat it back to them. The caller will know that you have understood their situation.

9. Don’t Pre-Empt

n conversation, it is quite easy to miss some key elements; especially when you assume what your caller is going to say. That is why it is important to add key elements to the CRM system in order to help the next advisor who will take the next call. This will build rapport, and influence the caller to call back again.

Phone etiquette is often what separates good businesses from great businesses. As often the only form of communication between the business and a customer, it can either be the beginnings to a positive business relationship or the foundation of a bad reputation. It entirely depends on maintaining your professionalism, establishing clarity, and ensuring that the customer has felt heard.

Once you incorporate the above tips into your phone etiquette, there is a much larger chance potential customers blossoms into repeat customers.

Are there any other phone etiquette tips and tricks that have worked for your business? Share your knowledge below!

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Cell-Phone Etiquette

Filed Under: Essays Tagged With: Mobile-phone

Cell-phone etiquette I was annoyed a number of times by the site on another person shouting in to his cell phone, form being an invention that has revolutionized communication it has become a much abused tool in the hands of common man. Cell-phone etiquette is really just common courtesy. Most people today have a Mobile phone. In fact, many people can’t imagine how they ever got along without a portable phone. However, many people also complain about cell phone users. I have seen people complain about other people loudly discussing personal matters in public places.

They complain when cell phones ring in movie theaters and places of worship. They complain about people driving too slow, and not paying attention to where they are going because they are talking on a cell phone. And they complain about people walking around talking to people who aren’t there. Whenever a new communications technology becomes popular, it changes the way society is organized. Society has to invent rules for the polite way to use the new devices. Our social etiquette, our rules of politeness for cell phones, is still evolving.

Cell-phone etiquette applies to most public places. Always try to keep your phone ringer as low as possible or put your mobile phone on vibrate, so it does not distract the people around you. A good time to leave your phone at home, or at least in the car, would be at a funeral, wedding or some event along those lines. Once I went to a funeral of an elderly man, his son was busy talking to someone over the phone and we were all waiting for him to light the funeral pyre I tried to coin some Basic Cell phone etiquette rules, please feel free to add something on your part. Know when to switch off You must know when to turn it off or vibrate it. Example meetings, movies, worship, seminars, etc. Vibrate mode when in places where you can take a call, but don’t want to disturb others. * Ask Permission You can not see a person being called, may be he must be driving or be in an important meeting so it is better to ask for permission to speak, even he/she may be an intimate friend this rule should apply. * Keep it short and Simple (KISS) When you get a call and you’re with friends, keep the call short. * Politeness

The Essay on People often complain about life in the U.S.

People complain when most of their needs are not met. The irony of it lies when complaints are just piled up without any further insights on how to solve such problems. In the long run, complaints become a part of the lifestyle of people who are good at pointing at the loopholes most especially of the government, and of the leaders. As there would always be a reason for every action that is done, ...

Don’t scream: speak in a lower-than-normal voice, you will be heard by the caller, and not others in the room. Avoid talking where you may be distracting to others. 05. Driving It kills, like alcohol using mobile phone while driving kills. It is not only very dangerous, but also unlawful in most countries (even India) to drive & talk on your cell Phone 06. Do one thing at a time Multi-tasking is not cool and you can’t really do it properly and safely anyway. Pay attention to what you are doing as multi-tasking can be hazardous, rude and inefficient.

The person you are talking to deserves your full attention. 07. Respect camera phone rules Camera phone misuse has already become a problem. Respect others’ privacy and do not use in-phone cameras anywhere a normal camera would be considered inappropriate, such as in art galleries, change rooms or toilets. Ask for permission before you take someone’s picture. Some venues do not allow the use of cameras and may refuse entry to anyone with one. Cell-phone etiquette is really just common courtesy, better master it soon.

The Term Paper on The Digital Camera

... precedent in classic spy films and television, is the cell phone camera. Not only has the technology spurred philosophical inquiries about ... fully exploit an image sensor larger than that on a camera phone, and a mechanized lens cap to cover the lens ... is being threatened by amateur digital imaging, as cell phones with digital cameras have become seemingly ubiquitous, with ever-improving resolution. ...

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... it without all you take for granted, for how people might complain and bitch about how they don't get enough MTV ... damn impressive. And as for mobile phones... well. Getting back to the Internet, I'm talking about communicating via computers. Now the ...

One School Leader Banned Cellphones, the Other Embraced Them. What Worked?

Many educators will tell you that cellphones are a source of serious academic, mental health, and behavioral problems for students. And school leaders are struggling to figure out how to deal with the cellphone problem, especially as younger and younger students get their own devices.

Developing a workable school cellphone policy is no easy task as major constituents are often at odds: teachers may want them gone while students want unfettered access to them. Parents are often divided, with some wanting to minimize distractions in class while others like the security of being able to reach their kids during the school day.

In response to these challenges, Education Week reached out to two school leaders, one in a school that requires students to lock their phones up all day, and the other in a school that encourages students to use their phones for learning in class. Both leaders claim that their approaches are working.

A middle school ban because cellphones were ‘the ultimate distraction’

Charles Longshore is the assistant principal of Dothan Preparatory Academy in Dothan, Ala. His school serves 1,200 7th and 8th grade students.

Longshore said that while he sees academic value in cellphones, he also sees that life has placed a lot of hurdles in front of his students, and that cellphones had become another one getting in the way of learning.

“We often have kids who are 7th graders who are functioning academically at 2nd and 3rd grade levels and we’re trying to jump them [ahead academically],” he said.

Cellphones weren’t just a distraction in Dothan classrooms—they were seriously undermining the school’s climate, said Longshore. Students were arguing more, and Longshore said increasing amounts of his time was spent managing discipline referrals.

A particular thorn in Dothan administrators’ sides was an anonymous Instagram account that had been created to spread school rumors, he said.

“We were never able to figure out who created it, Instagram would not help us, we appealed to them to take it down and they never would,” he said. “It was students saying, ‘so and so did this,’ or ‘so and so did that,’ or has this condition. And they would post pictures. They might be like, ‘look at what she’s wearing!’ [snapping] a picture of them in gym. Is it feasible for us to stop and check 150 kids in P.E. to see who took the photo?”

Problems that arise from cellphones and social media are difficult to police, Longshore said. It’s often one student’s word against another, or one student’s complaint against an anonymous person who posted something online.

Longshore said that adolescents have unique developmental struggles that made the situation in his school untenable.

“Self-management is one of our biggest concerns—I think COVID had a lot to do with that,” he said. “Not having that structure, I think played a role. But our population being in that rough transitional phase in their lives in general, what their minds are going through, their bodies are going through, socially what they are going through, [cellphones] were the ultimate distraction.”

That’s why administrators at Dothan decided to bar students from using cellphones during the school day, starting this school year. Students place their cellphones in individual lockboxes in their homerooms at the beginning of the day. Their homeroom teacher keeps the key to each lockbox. Students return to their homeroom for the last class period and retrieve their phones a few minutes before the final bell. That way, Longshore said, students have their phones for afterschool activities and to walk home—which makes parents more comfortable.

There are caveats to the policy, said Longshore. A few students with special needs, like those with diabetes who use their phones to monitor their blood sugar levels, can keep their devices throughout the day.

The majority of parents support the policy now and students have come to accept it, said Longshore.

The biggest challenge with the cellphone policy came before it was enacted, Longshore said. When they announced it last summer, there was pushback and a lot of misinformation—but it was nothing a couple of community forums couldn’t smooth over, he said.

The results have been extremely promising, Longshore said. He can see tangible improvements to the school’s climate. Behavioral referrals have gone down by about 20 percent. And he believes he will see improvements in students’ academic performance as well, once state test results are released.

Longshore doesn’t think Dothan’s cellphone policy is the answer for every school. High school students, for example, may be mature enough to manage their own cellphone use, and having the devices in class could be beneficial for some classroom assignments.

But for his middle schoolers, Longshore believes this policy is the right one.

A high school that encourages students to use cellphones as learning tools

In Douglass County, Colo., Chris Page is the principal of Highlands Ranch High School, which serves about 1,400 students.

In his school, students are allowed to use their phones throughout the day and are even encouraged to do so. Page had tried banning cellphones at one point, he said, but that lasted for only about a month.

“There are 100,000 ways that kids use their cellphones and the other half of this is that it’s hard to tell a kid not to use their cellphone when the adult in front of them has to use theirs,” he said. “We decided we just weren’t going to fight that fight anymore.”

Page encourages teachers to use students’ cellphones as tools in their teaching. The school provides periodic professional development throughout the year to teachers on how they can leverage the devices in their instruction—whether it be to have students look up additional information in class, access materials, use online calculators, or make videos for class projects. From science teachers to music teachers, cellphones present a lot of helpful opportunities for educators, Page said.

“We use it in our choir. Our choir teacher now makes it a recommendation that the kids have to find their pitch on their own without using the piano, [...] they use their phone to play a G or B cord for them,” Page said. “It’s allowed us a little more freedom in our teaching space. In our school we have two outdoor classrooms, so it’s given us more freedom to teach in better, more unique spaces instead of trapped [in] the classroom with all of the Chromebooks because that’s the only technology we have.”

The cellphone policy isn’t a total free-for-all, Page emphasized. Even though teachers are encouraged to find uses for students’ cellphones, they ultimately have the authority to make the rules for their own classrooms and can tell students to put away their phones at any time, Page said.

If kids use their phones inappropriately—such as a student ignoring a teacher who has asked for the phone to be put away—they get two warnings before the teacher is allowed to confiscate the phone. Students can retrieve it from Page’s office later.

The school is also using more technology that requires students to have cellphones, said Page.

School administrators also frequently communicate important information to students on social media—for instance, all updates regarding this year’s prom are posted on the school’s Instagram account. Page even hosted a schoolwide scavenger hunt this year where he dropped clues on Instagram.

And the school is adopting digital ID badges which will require students to use their phones, Page said. The pandemic changed his school’s relationships with technology.

“Just like most people in the country, technology became so much of a necessity,” Page said. “When COVID hit, [after] our dive into technology, we chose not to come out of the pool, and we decided to keep utilizing the technology in our classrooms.”

Overall, Page said the policy has been working well, even with some of the challenges it creates—such as kids constantly reaching out to their parents during the school day instead of taking their issues to the school counselor. The school also has to have a supply of iPads on hand for those students who forget their phones so they can still participate in class activities.

And, Page admits, cellphones can still cause distractions—he used an example of a student ordering lunch from Uber Eats during class.

But he said the school hasn’t descended into anarchy either. Only about 10 times a year, Page estimates, do students get their cellphones taken away from them.

The way Page sees it is that cellphones are here to stay and it’s the job of a high school to teach students how to use them productively.

“We are in the business of preparing kids for the next step,” he said. “There aren’t many college campuses that have no cellphones whatsoever. It’s about responsible use, and we have a duty to teach kids about responsible use.”

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The Best First Phones for Kids

Four different mobile phones pictured together.

By Ellen Lee

Ellen Lee is a writer focused on baby and kid gear. She’s texted or called her kids from 27 devices.

If you’re looking to give your child their first phone, you may want one with training wheels.

Along with our own tweens and teens, we’ve tested 12 flip phones and kid-centric smartphones. These phones allow your child to call, text, and take photos, but limit web access, social media, and other potential distractions.

These starter phones have drawn increased interest as parents and caregivers weigh concerns that kids spend too much time on screens, along with a warning last year by the surgeon general that social media can hurt their mental health and well-being. All of the options have pros and cons—and none can sub in for ongoing conversations about social media, pornography, and healthy screen time habits.

We also offer separate guides to additional options, including location tracking devices , kids smartwatches , and parental controls that can be installed on standard smartphones. If you’re still deciding between a phone and a smartwatch, see our breakdown of what each does.

What we considered

The phone should limit how much time a kid spends on it.

The phone should block or cap how much time a kid spends on social media.

Kids should be able to call and text easily with the phone (obviously).

No filters are fail-safe, but we looked for phones that could block or limit harmful content.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, a smartphone with app monitoring: bark phone, a smartphone with no web browser: pinwheel, an iphone option: iphone se with screen time, a trusty basic phone: tcl flip 2, other good first phones for kids, how we picked and tested, which device is right for your kid, what about privacy concerns, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been testing smartwatches, phones, and other devices for kids for five years. A longtime technology journalist, I am also the author of Wirecutter’s guide to the best smartwatches for kids , the best apps to manage a kid’s smartphone , and advice on how to track your child’s location . And as a parent of three kids, now 15, 13, and 8 years old, I have a personal interest in finding the best gadgets to keep in touch with them—without too many distractions.

This guide is for parents and caregivers who want to give their child their first phone—but with limits.

Getting a smartphone has become a childhood “rite of passage,” with half of US children getting their first one by age 11, according to Common Sense Media. Phones give kids the flexibility to keep in touch as they start to move around more independently, along with tools to help them study, unwind, and connect with their friends.

But smartphones—and particularly their ability to connect to social media—are also the subject of intense concerns for their effects on kids’ brains and development , mental health , and general well-being. Kids are so into their phones that a 2023 Common Sense Media study found that teens picked up and checked their phone at a median rate of 51 times per day—and as much as 498 times per day.

The devices we recommend in this guide let you talk, message, and, in some cases, track your child’s location. They can also restrict full and unfettered access to the internet, social media, and games. Note, however, that these guardrails are far from foolproof: There are plenty of YouTube tutorials showing kids how to get around them. One easy way? Borrow a friend’s phone.

If you’re looking for other options, we also offer a guide to the best kids smartwatches , as well as guides to the best iPhones and Android smartphones , which can be paired with the best apps for managing your kid’s phone.

A smartphone that supervises apps

This Android smartphone comes with Bark’s parental controls built-in, monitoring the child’s texts, searches, and social media for potential problems. Kids can download any apps from the Google Play Store, pending parent or guardian approval.

Buying Options

Get this if: You’re looking for a smartphone that sends alerts about problematic usage, including on social media apps.

Monthly service fee: App monitoring and cellular service through Bark costs $50 and up; a talk-and-text-only “starter” plan costs $30. When you buy directly from Bark, the cost of the phone is included in the fee.

How the phone works: Bark is a parental controls company, offering software that flags mentions of drugs, porn, bullying, and other potential concerns in your child’s messages, posts, and searches.

The Bark Phone is a Samsung smartphone with Bark’s parental controls built in. You pay for a monthly subscription, which covers both cell phone service and monitoring.

Your child can request any of the millions of apps available from the Google Play store. Under Bark’s advanced plan , your child has the flexibility to pick the apps they want, which means they can potentially have access to a web browser, social media, and games—if you allow. You approve their app requests through Bark’s online parent portal (or via an iOS or Android app).

Bark’s software screens your child’s text messages, emails, and some social media. That includes Instagram posts , YouTube searches , and direct messages on Snapchat . You cannot see your child’s messages or posts in the parent portal or app unless they’re flagged. In our basic tests, it alerted us to a text expressing depression, a message that was bullying, and searches for alcohol and guns on Snapchat. For some social media, your child’s account needs to be connected to Bark to allow Bark to monitor certain actions (for instance, Instagram posts). This requires your child’s cooperation or for you to have your child’s social media account passwords.

You can set screen time limits for individual apps, track a kid’s location, and shut down the phone at bedtime. Once your child reaches the app’s daily time limit, they won’t be able to access it. You can also create multiple screen time routines, such as only allowing educational apps to be available during school hours.

Bark also separately offers an app that can be installed on any smartphone, which we review in our guide to parental controls . On a Bark phone, the parental controls are built in, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of installing it , and it includes features that are not available through Bark’s app, such as the ability to approve contacts and set daily screen time limits.

Warranty: Bark offers a limited one-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Bark phone is available only with Bark cell phone service and costs much more than other kid smartphone plans: The starter plan, with no app monitoring, costs $30 per month, while the advanced plan ranges from $50 to $90 per month depending on your data needs.

Your child may complain that it’s challenging to message friends. Because of general text messaging limitations between Android phones and iPhones, group texting between your child’s Bark phone and their friends’ iPhones can be challenging (for example, it can be annoying to start a new group chat in order to add new friends). Apple said it is fixing that, but it hasn’t happened yet.

There are complaints that Bark’s software inexplicably glitches. We’ve heard about instances of messages not going through, screen time rule changes taking a long time to kick in (or not activating at all), and other hiccups that required troubleshooting . When we tried to block Snapchat, for instance, it didn’t kick in the first time, though it did on our second try a few hours later.

Bark can’t monitor all social media use: While Bark promises to monitor popular social media, it’s important to note the fine print. For instance, Bark monitors direct messages but not searches on TikTok (we easily found unsuitable videos of near-naked girls, women, and men but did not receive any alerts). On Snapchat, it monitors direct messages and searches but not the stories your child sees (while we were alerted to strangers sending problematic messages, we were not alerted about finding and viewing influencers posting near-naked photos of themselves). In our rudimentary tests, Bark caught some problems, but it missed others: While it tracks web searches , for instance, it didn’t catch our searches for cutting (a form of self-harm ), nearby gun stores, and places that sell marijuana and vapes when we used the phone’s Samsung browser. Bark can help keep an eye out for potential problems, but as with any gadget for a kid, its filters can’t substitute for frank conversations .

A smartphone with no web access

Like Bark, Pinwheel is an Android smartphone with parental controls built in. It comes in five models, all with no web browser and a limited, curated app store. You can also see your child’s text messages and call history.

Get this if: You’re looking for a smartphone with more restrictions, including limited apps and no web browser.

Monthly service fee: The cost is $15 per month, in addition to your choice of a cell phone plan .

How the phone works: Like Bark, Pinwheel is a parental controls company, offering Android smartphones with Pinwheel’s parental controls built in. Pinwheel phones are available in several models; we tested the Plus 3, the company’s most popular one.

Screenshots of a group chat between a parent's phone, a Pinwheel phone and a Bark phone.

The Pinwheel phone has no web browser and no direct access to social media. Popular social media apps such as Instagram, TikTok, and Discord are blocked. Zoom, the video conferencing service, is available, but Pinwheel cautions that kids can potentially access social media and the web through it, as well as contact strangers.

Pinwheel does offer a curated library of about 1,200 apps. Through Pinwheel’s parent portal or app ( iOS and Android ), you select the apps that can be on your child’s phone. Pinwheel rates and categorizes the apps into three tiers: “approved,” “slightly out of bounds,” and “violates guidelines.” (Zoom, for instance, falls under “violates guidelines.”) You can set time limits on individual apps and shut down the phone at bedtime.

Pinwheel lets you review your kid’s text messages and call history. You can read their entire conversations through its parent portal or app—something your child may or may not be comfortable with (my teens were definitely not cool with this). Messages from unknown people (including spam) can be filtered so you see and approve (or block) the messages first.

Warranty: Pinwheel does not offer a warranty, though you can get a refund for up to 30 days or purchase a protection plan .

Just as with Bark, your child may complain that it’s challenging to message friends. As with any Android phone, kids may run into challenges with texting and group messaging if their friends have iPhones. We noticed this hiccup in a group text between an iPhone, Pinwheel phone, and Bark Phone: One of the messages never showed up in the Pinwheel phone.

You won’t receive alerts about problematic messages. You can still catch them when you read your child’s text conversations, however. You can also install Bark’s parental controls software on your Pinwheel phone, but it’s an added step and an added cost. Pinwheel said it plans to roll out Pinwheel Assistant , its detection software, later in 2024. We will try it when it’s available.

Your child may want an app that’s not available. Some apps are banned or incompatible with Pinwheel, but others may simply be new or not yet vetted . Pinwheel does offer an option to turn on the Google Play Store . It’s a cumbersome process, however, and something that Pinwheel discourages. (You must acknowledge the risks before enabling the Google Play Store.)

Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation, 128 GB)

An iphone with screen time.

If you want to stay in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone SE is the least expensive option. With Apple’s Screen Time, you can manage how much time your child spends on apps and the web—if at all.

Get this if: You want to stay in the Apple universe.

Monthly service fee: Screen Time is free; you pay for your choice of a cell phone plan .

How the phone works: The iPhone SE is our pick for the best budget iPhone and can be set up with Screen Time , Apple’s parental controls software (which is our pick for the best parental controls for the iPhone). Though it’s not a kid-specific smartphone like the Bark Phone or Pinwheel phone, the iPhone SE and Screen Time combination is the best option for families that want to stick with Apple.

An Apple iPhone SE next to an iPhone 13 Mini.

Almost any iPhone ( 5s or newer ) can be set up with parental controls. We suggest the iPhone SE for those who want a new phone, and care about cost. Many families may opt to repurpose old iPhones instead. Because of Apple’s strict rules on non-Apple software , there are no other parental controls that work as well or as seamlessly on an iPhone as Screen Time.

The compact iPhone SE costs about half as much as the latest iPhone model. It doesn’t have the same bells and whistles—most notably, teens and tweens may be disappointed by the lower resolution, single-lens camera. But it still takes good photos and runs on a modern processor.

With Screen Time, you can lock down your child’s iPhone: You can remove Safari. You can block your child’s ability to receive calls and texts from unknown numbers . If you don’t want your child to have social media, you can block the ability to download apps without your permission. And you can set the phone to “ downtime ” so that your child can only access “always allowed” apps. We offer additional details on Apple’s Screen Time in our guide to parental controls .

Warranty: Apple offers a limited one-year warranty on the iPhone SE.

Apple’s parental controls don’t always work as they’re supposed to. Kids can find ways to circumvent Screen Time: going over their app time limit, removing Screen Time, accessing their phone when it’s supposed to be on downtime, and so forth. Sometimes the problems can be user error (setting up and managing Screen Time can be confusing), but other times it inexplicably seems to glitch. Last year, a bug in Screen Time allowed kids to bypass time limits on apps. Apple has since updated its operating system to fix the bug.

It blocks some harmful content but does not send alerts. If you turn on Communication Safety , it can detect images of nudity and blur it out (we found it caught some photos of genitalia but not all). A pop-up message will warn and encourage the child to seek help from an adult. It won’t, however, alert the parent or caregiver. Likewise, Apple’s filters limit adult content (for instance, it blocked our attempts to access pornography sites), but it will not alert you if your child receives or accesses (or tries to access) problematic messages, photos, websites, or other content.

It doesn’t allow you to review your child’s text messages. But if you want to read your child’s text conversations and you have an extra Apple device, you can mirror your child’s phone. But experts have cautioned that too much surveillance can erode trust, especially with older teens.

A reliable flip phone

If you want a basic phone that doesn’t do much besides making calls, this flip phone is fairly cheap, reliable, and easy to use.

Get this if: You’re looking for a starter phone that allows a kid to call and message one-on-one—but not much else.

Monthly service fee: The cost varies; both monthly and prepaid plans are available.

How the phone works: Flip phones are meant primarily for making phone calls and receiving texts. We found that it’s nearly impossible to pick the best flip phone for kids, as the options and availability vary by wireless carrier and retailer. The technology for flip phones has also not changed much over the years, except to improve connectivity, upgrade the camera, or make other small tweaks.

That said, the relatively inexpensive TCL Flip 2 is a basic, clamshell handset that is reliable and designed to run on current cellular networks. (It’s a newer version of the Alcatel Smartflip , which we previously recommended; Alcatel phones are manufactured by TCL , and new models are now TCL branded.) If possible, opt for an unlocked phone, which gives you flexibility in selecting a wireless carrier.

The TCL Flip 2 does well on the basic tasks of calling and receiving one-on-one texts. It can’t really manage group texts, but it does take and download photos. Our phone calls were clear, and we found text messages easy to read on the 2.8-inch screen. Despite not having a touchscreen, this flip phone is simple to operate, with large buttons and straightforward navigation.

Basic flip phones avoid most of the distractions that smartphones present. The TCL Flip 2 offers clunky access to the internet, no group texting, and very few apps, so there’s little reason to stare at the screen for long periods of time.

Warranty: TCL offers a limited one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Basic phones don’t have any parental controls. You can’t track its location or manage a child’s contacts remotely via an app.

The TCL Flip 2 comes with an internet browser, albeit a small, slow, and grainy one. You can’t block, monitor, or filter access to the web. Depending on your version of the phone (it varies by carrier), the TCL Flip 2 may also come preloaded with Google apps, including YouTube.

Like most other flip phones, this phone does not have a QWERTY keyboard. Your child has to learn to operate a numerical keyboard to tap out a message (holding down a number to select the appropriate letter—truly old-school). In addition, your kid can’t participate in group text chats, which arrive as multimedia messages and take a considerable amount of time to download.

You can’t automatically block spam calls or any calls or texts from strangers. We received our first spam call within hours of setting ours up. You have to take extra steps to stop spam calls , such as registering the number in the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registry ; your service provider may also collect reports on spam calls and texts (and even then, your child may continue to receive them).

If you want a nicer-looking basic phone: The nostalgic, glossy blue Nokia 225 is a reliable “dumb” phone with a built-in flashlight that runs on the 4G network. Like the TCL Flip 2, it comes with a small, clunky web browser, as well as Facebook and a handful of simple games.

If you want a flip phone in a different color: The Nokia 2780 Flip comes in blue and red (instead of a boring black) and is compatible on multiple networks. It also has a web browser.

If you want a really cheap flip phone: The Tracfone TCL Flip 2 is one of the least expensive ones, but it’s locked to the Tracfone service. It also has a web browser.

Going by our conversations with parents, caregivers, and kids, we looked for the following features and capabilities during our search for the best first phones:

Easy to manage: It should be simple for parents and caregivers to set up any controls, as well as to change settings, receive notifications, and view usage remotely.

Can limit screen time: The phone should manage screen time, such as curbing access at bedtime, and capping the total amount of time your child spends on the phone.

Can manage access to distracting apps: It should block, limit access, or set time constraints for specific or problematic apps, such as games and social media.

Can communicate easily: The child should be able to make clear calls and send and receive texts.

Can block or monitor inappropriate and adult content: While filters are imperfect, the phone should have something in place to block porn, drugs, violence, and other problematic material.

Location tracking: We liked the peace of mind and convenience of seeing a child’s location.

To a lesser extent, we also weighed:

Usage data and analysis: Being able to see which apps a kid is using, and for how long, can be useful. We found this data helpful in understanding how our kids were using their devices, but it may be an unnecessary level of detail for some people.

One feature that we did not prioritize is the ability to see your child’s call history and read your child’s text messages. We recognize that this feature may be useful or necessary for some parents and caregivers, but it can also be invasive, especially for older teens.

Since 2018, I’ve tested 27 phones, watches, and other devices with my now 15-year-old, 13-year-old, and 8-year-old, including 12 basic and kid-specific phones.

Among my tests, I set screen time and app limits on each phone, and challenged my kids and their friends to spend more than their allotted time. I also asked people to send inappropriate messages and photos to each phone, including photos of genitalia and texts such as “nobody likes you.” If possible, I also searched or tried to access information about drugs, alcohol, porn, guns, and suicide. And I downloaded TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, created dummy accounts, and used them to scroll and send problematic posts and messages (mostly to myself). My kids did not help me test the boundaries of these filters; I chose to shield them from the harmful content that these devices are meant to protect them from.

If you’re looking to keep in touch with your child, you have multiple options. Which one makes sense for your family depends on how much connection your child needs and whether you want additional features such as GPS tracking and parental controls.

Kids smartwatches

Like a tiny computer on your child’s wrist, kids smartwatches allow your child to communicate through text messages, voice calls, and, in some cases, video calls—though they’re best for short, basic conversations. Kids smartwatches with cellular service also let you track your child’s location via GPS.

When a child’s smartwatch is paired with an adult’s smartphone, usually through an iOS or Android app, a parent or caregiver can designate who can contact their child. A kids smartwatch comes with a SIM card and a designated phone number for your child, and usually requires a cellular subscription.

Flip phones

Flip phones hail from a bygone era. These simple phones offer functionality (calling, basic texting) with limited distraction (although most can connect to the internet, including social media, navigation is slow and clunky). They can be used with cheap monthly or prepaid plans. They’re a great option for a basic communication device or emergency phone.

But there are some clear downsides to buying a flip phone for your kid: You can’t see who contacts them, track their location, or monitor how your child is using the phone. For better or worse, kids also can’t join in group text chats.

Kids smartphones

Kid-specific smartphones are for parents and caregivers who don’t yet want their child to use a full-fledged smartphone. They’re smartphones—with a touchscreen, a keyboard for easy text messaging, and a high-resolution camera—but have built-in software that strips out features such as an internet browser and an app store. Kids smartphones monitor the child’s communication, either keeping a log that parents and caregivers can review or flagging problematic messages.

Through a parent portal or app, you can remotely manage the child’s phone, such as selecting acceptable apps, tracking the phone’s location, and approving a child’s contacts. Some services offer multiple tiers, from a locked down talk-and-text-only plan to one that allows web browsing and apps.

Smartphones with parental controls

Both Android phones and iPhones can be set up with parental controls , with the ability to remotely monitor the child’s screen time, contacts, location, and access to specific apps, social media, and games.

Parental controls can be effective for many families. But some parental controls are not as tightly integrated as the ones that are built into kid-specific smartphones, and some may have fewer features, require workarounds to install, or be more easily removed or bypassed.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) limits the type of data a company can collect about a child younger than 13 years old, how a company uses the data, and how long a company keeps the data. But device makers can skirt these sorts of protections by assuming that the parent or caregiver, not the child, is the customer. In doing so, companies can collect and use as much data as they like from the parent’s account, just as they would with any other app.

Flip phones, on the other hand, don’t pose the privacy concerns that smartphones present, which is one of the things that makes them appealing to some people (leading to their reputation as “burner phones”).

We plan to test Techless’s Wisephone II , a smartphone with limited app access, when it’s available.

Many devices we’ve tested over the years are no longer available, or have been replaced by newer versions. The following are those that are still for sale:

We used to recommend the Gabb Z2, a smartphone with no web browser and no apps that is no longer available. Under its top-tier $35 per month plan, the updated Gabb Phone Pro 3 (a Samsung smartphone installed with Gabb’s parental controls software) now offers a library of about 280 curated apps . For an additional $5 per month, kids can also stream Gabb Music , its proprietary catalog of “clean” pop tunes, including the latest from Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and more. The Gabb phone, however, currently offers few screen time management controls; you cannot cap how much time your child spends on the phone, or automatically limit access at bedtime. Managing the phone also requires navigating to multiple places: to browse and download apps , you must log into the parent portal on Gabb’s website. To manage your child’s contacts and communications (including seeing flagged messages), you must download the Gabb Messenger app . To check the location of your child’s phone (and set up location alerts), you need the MyGabb app . We preferred the ease and simplicity of managing a child’s phone from one central place, which is possible with the Bark and Pinwheel phones.

The Troomi phone (a Samsung smartphone, installed with Troomi’s software) was the only kids smartphone we tested with its own filtered web browser , available with its top-tier $30 per month plan. Troomi also offers a curated library of more than 160 apps that can be installed on the child’s phone; each app can be programmed to be accessible at certain times of a day (for instance, YouTube Kids from 3 pm to 6 pm). But we found the parental controls clunky and limited: Unlike Bark and Pinwheel, Troomi does not offer a dedicated parent app to manage the child’s phone (though you can create a shortcut to Troomi’s parent portal on your smartphone). If you want to tweak when your child can use an app, you must wade through the app library to find and update it (Troomi’s parent portal does not show your child’s downloaded apps). And while you can designate the times a child can use an app, you cannot set time limits for each app, nor can you set time limits for overall screen time.

We haven't tested the minimalist Light Phone II . Launched in 2019, the Light Phone II isn’t aimed at kids but rather at adults who are trying to curb their screen use. The sleek-looking phone costs $300 and lets you do only a few select things, such as making calls and sending text messages. It has no camera, no web browser, no app store—and no parental controls, such as location tracking.

Thorin Klosowski contributed reporting. This article was edited by Rachel Hurn and Kalee Thompson.

Christine Elgersma, senior editor, Common Sense Media , phone interview , September 13, 2018

Anya Kamenetz, author of The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real Life , phone interview , September 17, 2018

Megan Moreno, MD, pediatrician and lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’s policy statement on kids and media use , phone interview , October 2, 2018

Ramon Llamas, research director for mobile devices, IDC , phone interview , May 24, 2019

Catherine Pearlman, author of First Phone: A Child’s Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Etiquette , Zoom interview , September 16, 2022

Meet your guide

Ellen Lee is a senior staff writer covering baby and kid gear for Wirecutter. Her work has also appeared in The Atlantic, BBC, and Real Simple, and she was previously a staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. She is also the author of the (ADJECTIVE) Lunar New Year Mad Libs book. (We’re hoping you filled in the blank with “hilarious.”)

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Don't look at your phone during meetings; Don't place your phone on your lap; Focus on the person that should have your attention i.e. customer, client, coworker, boss, etc; Keep your personal calls private; Keep your phone out of sight; Don't engage in arguments over the phone while at work; Silence your device.
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Cell phone etiquette, or netiquette, is a set of unspoken rules and guidelines for how cell phone users should behave in public. It includes respecting other people's privacy and not using your phone while driving. Following these guidelines ensures that everyone around you is comfortable and safe.
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Here are our top 10 tips for cell phone etiquette: Be in control of your phone, don't let it control you! Speak softly. Be courteous to those you are with; turn off your phone if it will be interrupting a conversation or activity. Watch your language, especially when others can overhear you. Avoid talking about personal or confidential topics ...
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In addition, shouting on the phone disrupts people around you. 6. Don't put your phone on speaker. Just as many people do not want to hear your end of the conversation, they don't want to hear the other person's either. 7. Do not talk about personal details in public. Personal is just that: personal.
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Cellphones are also recorders, and text messages can end up on a Facebook page. • Earbuds and open screens say, "go away; I don't want to talk to you.". Try pulling out your ear buds and closing your screen, and giving someone your full attention. It works like magic. • Look them in the eyes.
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Establishing Cell Phone Etiquette: An Analysis of Inappropriate
a. Then for each of the body paragraphs, locate the topic sentence and highlight it in pink. b. Next, locate the detail sentences in the same paragraph and highlight them in blue. c. Lastly, locate the concluding sentence in the same paragraph and highlight it in yellow. 3. Locate the conclusion and write Conclusion next to it in the margin.
One School Leader Banned Cellphones, the Other Embraced Them. What Worked?
In his school, students are allowed to use their phones throughout the day and are even encouraged to do so. Page had tried banning cellphones at one point, he said, but that lasted for only about ...
The 4 Best First Phones for Kids 2024
The Bark phone is available only with Bark cell phone service and costs much more than other kid smartphone plans: The starter plan, with no app monitoring, costs $30 per month, while the advanced ...