Cell Phone Etiquette

Cell Phone Etiquette

Cell phones are everywhere nowadays, and many people don’t know when to turn them off. From weddings to funerals, and everywhere in between, cell phones are ringing in the most inappropriate places.

About 137 million Americans use a cell phone, according to the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association. Cell phones are so pervasive because they’re cost effective and portable, and people are starting to purchase them in lieu of land lines, says Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach in Florida.

Whitmore became the wireless etiquette spokeswoman for Sprint PCS last year as the company launched an effort to educate the public and their customers on the proper use of cell phones.

“We’ve all been at the movies and been bothered be someone talking on the phone,” says Nanci Schwartz, a public relations manager for Sprint.

Cell phones do have their place, Whitmore says. “As an etiquette expert you’d think I’d be against that (using phones in public places),” Whitmore says. “I think cell phones should be used with discretion in public places.” But some places are strictly off limits, such as movies, concerts, plays, or religious ceremonies, she says. And they should be used discreetly in restaurants.

Talking on the phone at the dinner table is a definite no-no. “You should put your dining party ahead of a caller,” Whitmore says. If you’re expecting an important call and can’t let voice mail take it, excuse yourself and leave the table to take it.

Whitmore offers these other tips on cell phone etiquette:

• Let voicemail take your calls when you’re in meetings, courtrooms, and restaurants. If you must talk, excuse yourself and find a secluded area.
• Don’t display anger when talking on the phone in public places.
• Put your phone on vibrate or turn it off in movie theaters, religious services, and social gatherings.
• Tell companions ahead of time if you must take a call, then excuse yourself when you get it.
• Don’t interrupt personal conversations by answering your cell phone or checking voice mail.
• Use discretion when talking on cell phones. You never know who is nearby listening.
• Be responsible when placing calls or talking on the phone while driving. Place calls when the car isn’t moving and use a hands-free device to keep your focus on the roadway. Don’t make or answer calls while driving in traffic or hazardous conditions.

Joyce Caruthers lives in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and mostly uses her cell phone for emergencies.

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