We can all hear you now! Cell Phone Etiquette

Have you ever been seated in a restaurant,already to eat your dinner, when your cell phone rang?  Do you answer it and talk to whoever is onthe other line or do you reach out and mute it, not wanting to disturbanyone?  The correct thing to do would beto turn your cell phone off when you go into a restaurant or another placewhere your phone calls may disturb others. However, if you forgot to turn it off and it rings, mute it so others donot have to hear it.

When you have a cell phone, it is veryimportant to not talk on your phone when you are in restaurants, museums,libraries, or other places where quiet is expected.  Such places include hospitals, churches, andwaiting rooms.  The fact is if you are inan enclosed public place, be safe and do not use your cell phone.  If, however, it is an emergency and you musttalk to on your phone, it is best to keep at least a ten to fifteen-footdistance from anyone else while you are talking.  The most important thing to remember is touse common sense when you have a cell phone.

With the wide availability of ring tonesfor your phone, many people are often choosing those that are loud andunique.  However, just because you likeit, doesn't mean anyone else will.  Ifyou are going to have your cell phone on in public, make sure you choose a ringtone that is not too loud and one that is not too annoying.  It's important to remember that while you mayneed to take a call, you don't need to annoy anyone or disrupt someone'sconcentration. 

Another important thing to consider whenusing your cell phone is to keep your conversations short and simple.  By telling the person on the other end thatyou are on a cell phone, they should understand you wish to keep the callshort.  You will also want to rememberthat if you are in a public place, you do not want to talk about your personalbusiness or say things that others should not hear or that you don't wantrepeated.  You never know who could belistening in when you talk on a cell phone in public.

There are several countries, includingAustralia, Germany, and Japan that have banned the use of cell phones whiledriving unless you have a hands-free unit. Many states in the United States have banned cell phones when driving,as well.  If you live in a state thatdoes allow the use of cell phones while driving, make sure you take properprecautions to allow for your safety and the safety of others.

With the invention of text messaging, many find communicatingwith others in public much easier and definitely more private.  However, there are certain guidelines youshould follow when text messaging, as well.

First of all, you know that annoyinglittle sound that states you have a new text message?  The best thing you can do is to put it onmute.  This is how kids in classes getaway with texting during classes without getting caught.  You can prevent yourself from annoying anyoneby simply silencing your message alarm. With the advanced technology of the cell phone, you'll find many arealso able to download music and users can play their music anytime andanywhere.  It's important to rememberthat while you love a certain type of music, others may not. 

Is it within proper etiquette to sendsomeone a text message when you are in a public place such as a restaurant orlibrary?  Generally, you need to rememberthat if you are not bothering someone, don't worry about it.  If, however, you're sitting in the front rowof a lecture and you're bent over texting someone on your cell phone, thelecturer may get a little irritated that you're not paying attention and youmay want to put your cell phone up and plan to text message someone later.  If it is one that must be sent, gracefullyexit the room and find a quiet spot to send it. 

One of the worst possible things you cando when text messaging is to be driving. Believe it or not, there are people who try to make sure they arepressing the right buttons and completely forget they should be looking atwhere they are going.  This needs noexplanation to say what could happen. 

The fact is text messaging is a great wayto communicate and you do not have to bother someone when you communicate thisway.  No one has to listen to a one-sidedconversation or be interrupted by someone yelling, "Can you hear menow?"  Text messaging has definitelymade life much easier for all. 

While many states haveissued laws regarding talking on your cell phone while driving a vehicle, thereare cities and towns that are discussing the possibility of regulating cellphone usage in public places.  Somecities have even gone through with these laws and while they are havingdifficulty enforcing them, they are placed there in case anyone wishes topursue the matter of annoyance in court. However, if you are like many, you may not want your cell phone usageregulated.  In order to stop this, youmust take it in your own hands and practice proper cell phone etiquette andinform others to do so, as well.