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Cell Phone Etiquette Revisited
December 16, 2008
When you stop chasing the wrong things, you give the right things a chance to catch you.
-Lolly Daskal
-Lolly Daskal
Betty Read, The Halton Resource Connection, Georgetown, Ontario, Canada
I was at a conference and at the beginning of the meeting the woman announced that anyone who had a cell phone ring during the session would have to donate $10 to that location's charity. I thought it was a great idea to reduce cell phone calls interrupting and a great way for the charity to make some money.
Athena Baldwin, Australia
When we ignore, or do nothing about, such behaviour we are giving the offenders tacit approval to continue. Drawing attention to such breaches of etiquette is one way to address it.
- If someone takes a call in the middle of a conversation — get up and walk away.
- When someone continually texts in an important meeting — take a coffee break, (or re-schedule) and explain why: "Fred obviously has something more urgent he needs to attend to, so we'll re-convene when he can give us his full attention".
- In a public lecture — appeal to peer pressure. Stop the presentation and ask, "Is someone next to you using their mobile? Is it bothering you? If so, feel free to ask them to stop."
- In an elevator — what would happen if everyone turned to face the caller and appeared to listen with rapt attention?
By saying and doing nothing, we have given people permission to trample on basic social courtesies and ignore the rights and feelings of others. We need to start letting them know it's not okay. Thanks for the opportunity to vent!
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Comments (4)
Displaying All 4 CommentsHamilton Center,Inc.
Terre Haute, IN, United States
In our childcare setting, parents and staff's families have access to the land phone and are asked to use that number in an emergency. Therefore staff are asked to take and/or make calls on their cell phones only during a break or lunch time when they are not responsible for the care of the children.
United States
I know of a teacher who uses her cell phone in the classroom. She texts during classtime, during circle time, and while parents are in the classroom volunteering. She is a certified teacher, and is suppose to be the supervisor of the classroom. The teacher that she supervises is not sure how to handle the situation but is very annoyed. Any suggestions for this teacher She also has a picture of her recent wedding picture of her, and her husband holding up their champagne glasses in the limousine on the classroom computer as a screensaver. Is this unprofessional, or is it just me?
Unlimited Options, Inc.
Denver, Colorado, United States
Cell phone interruption continues, but I like your suggestions for addressing it up front. To share what I do: I sing before I begin speaking at the beginning of conferences (to tune of hokey pokey)" You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out, you put your hand in your purse (or pocket) and pull your cell phone out. You turn it off and put it back, then everyone will smile. That's what it's all about." Everyone laughs, but gets the message.
I would like to see gum chomping/popping addressed in one of your articles. More and more people are getting so rude with noise and it is distracting to a speaker as well as the people around them. Thanks.
Jacksonville, FL, United States
Even if there is an issue with how some individuals use their cell phones, can't the offended person just explain why it bothers them. Do we really need passive agressive plans of action? It also seems to me that there are more important problems to solve especially now.
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