Amber R. Hiles
1. Interrupting a
conversation to accept a mobile call or text message
-One should only take a call during a conversation if the
call was expected. In this case, the cell user should notify their guest ahead
of time that a call is expected. A text should never interrupt a conversation.
In most cases, people will call in the event of an emergency, and a text
message can wait.
2. Checking email
on a mobile device while a meeting is taking place
- One should never interrupt a meeting with any device or
form of communication. Full attention to the meeting and the information from
the meeting is imperative and shows respect and professionalism.
3. Screaming your
dismay into the phone while you are waiting in line for the bus
-Raising your voice in public should be avoided unless
the person on the other line cannot hear you. Even then, telling them you will
phone back when there is less noise is the best option. Screaming in public is
a harsh display, and it is a poor display for adults to this in front of
children and it interrupts others.
4. Taking a phone
call or answering a text message during a meal at home or at a restaurant
- Phones should not be brought to the dinner table in any
case. Important calls should be scheduled at a time that will not interrupt
meal time. It is especially rude at family get-togethers and holiday events.
5. Cell phones
during class
-Never. The instructor and classroom should always have
your respect and attention. If you are a parent, checking your phone once to
make sure you haven’t missed a call from a daycare provider is acceptable, but
prolonged use is not acceptable. Abide by the rules of the instructor.
6. Cell phone use while
behind the wheel of a vehicle
-One should avoid any distractions when behind the wheel
in the interest of the safety of the driver, passengers, and other drivers. If
a phone call or text “must” be made, pulling over and parking in a designated
parking spot is the best choice. Avoid using the phone to text at stoplights: this
will only cause profuse honking by the people behind you when you miss the
green light.
7. Cell phone use while at work (including
social media)
- Daycare and family should be notified of your work
number so that they can reach you that way. Using a cell phone during work
hours is not acceptable. One should always throw themselves into their work and
avoid outside distractions. Employees are being paid for a task, not to connect
and socialize with friends and family. It is a waste of company time and shows
disrespect for the employer.
8. Cell phone use
while conducting business or shopping
- Do not
approach a desk, counter, or check-out lane while on the phone. As a sign of
respect, one should always give their full attention to the person they are conducting
business with.
9. Cell phone use
while in labor
- When in the hospital giving birth, it is best to give
your phone/devices to your husband, boyfriend, partner, mother until after
recuperation time. Distractions are not going to help that baby come out, and
the constant Facebook posts and photos are inappropriate for younger crowds.
10. Cell phone use
at a Doctor’s Office
- Doctors recommend that you do not have you device on
during visits. It is a distraction, and their time and your time is valuable.
Using your phone during waiting time is permissible, but I assure you, we all
know how long doctor’s waiting times can be; you don’t need to post this to
Facebook. Think first before sharing with the world all of the gory and nasty
details of your recent visit.
11. Texting while
walking on campus
-Do your fellow classmates and professors a favor and
avoid texting and walking. If you need to connect with someone, it is faster to
call between classes. If you need to text, stop first and make sure you are out
of the way of traffic. Texting while walking slows foot traffic and is a hazard
to yourself and others. There are many cases of bumping into other and objects
while walking and texting, so it should be avoiding if possible.
12. Using cell
phones during an informal visit
- Avoid using your cell phone in other people’s homes
unless it is absolutely necessary. Ringtones and message tones constantly going
off during a visit is rude and disrespectful. The person you have gone to see
should have your full attention, unless you both have a mutual friend that is
being included in the conversation via text, call, or Skype. If you are
visiting someone and your phone rings, silence it and return the call later. If
it is an emergency, excuse yourself from the room and step outside to take the
call. Having a personal conversation in another person’s home should always be
avoided. Never answer a text while visiting, or excuse yourself to return a
quick message.
13. Using a cell
phone in a public bathroom
- Though this can cause some confusion, using your cell
phone in a public bathroom is generally okay. Don’t expect privacy, and be careful
what you touch.
14. “Selfies” in
the bathroom
-Bathroom “selfies” are distasteful and should be
avoided. If you are wanting to display how obsessed you are with yourself and
share how good you happen to look that day, find another avenue. Choose an artistic
approach, and stop giving the bathroom so much social media time.
15. Camera phone
use
- Never use your camera phone at a funeral, accident
site, or emergency situation. Remember that the people that have died or have
injuries are people too, and viewing them only as something to share on your
social media sites is inhumane. Avoid using your camera or video recorder in
these situations especially when driving past a scene. This could cause another
accident. Taking photos of people in distress, unless asked to, should be
avoided. Additionally, explicit photos should never be posted to social media
sites, as there are children present in these places. Before choosing the
“share” option, always take a second to consider how many people you are
sharing this photo or video with, and be tasteful and professional.
16. Cell phone use
on a date
-Never use your cell phone for anything on a date unless
it is to send little love notes to your significant other. There are some
things you shouldn’t say out loud in public, and the cell phone offers an
opportunity to get a little personal with your date. Photos can also be fun to
send back and forth during a date, but always check to make sure you have the
correct number before sending a text or photo. If you have the wrong number, it
could have a disastrous and embarrassing consequence.
NO!!
17. Cell phone use
at the movie theater
-Movie theaters run a segment before the feature that
reminds movie-goers to turn off their cell phones before the movie begins.
Avoid doing anything that could interrupt the experience of those around you.
If your silent phone buzzes in your pocket or purse, checking it discreetly is
the key. If a call must be taken, walking quietly out of the screening is the
best option. Find a quiet area to accept the call and speak quietly.
18. Cell phone use
at a concert
- Using your cell phone at a concert robs your
experience, and does not allow the mind to disengage enough to truly relax.
Anything that is very important should be taken care of before the show begins,
and anything else can wait until the show is over. Do not start talking loudly
into your phone in large crowds. It is rude to the person on the other line,
and unpleasant to those around you.
19. Answering your phone when children are yelling and
demanding attention
- No one wants to hear screaming when they are expecting
to hear a normal greeting. Call the person back when you are in a quiet place
and will not be interrupted for a minimum of five minutes. You will want to
give the caller your full attention and plenty of time to convey their message
to you.
20. Answering your
phone in bed
- Dedicate time in bed to sleeping. Your body needs rest,
and any stimulation from phones, computers, or mobile devices will prevent you
from getting needed sleep. Additionally, answering a phone late at night could
wake others. If you are staying over with friends of family, mute your phone at
night so you don’t disturb your host or hostess.
