How to Properly Use a Cellular Phone in Public

Cell phone use in public can be a great disturbance.  Some people are so upset about how others use their cell phones in public that some municipalities are considering banning the use of phones in public buildings.  There is such a thing as etiquette when it comes to cell phone use in public.  Following some important rules will help you avoid dirty looks and, in some cases, breaking the law.  

• Think about your surroundings.  It is very easy to get caught up in the moment and focus only on the conversation you are having with the person on the other line.  Quickly scan the area you are in to determine how discrete you should be before you dial a number or as soon as you answer a call.  


• Think about your volume.  When you are in public there are many sounds that can distract you from your conversations.  You may not be able to hear the other person as well and this may cause you to increase your speaking volume, annoying those around you.  This is a natural reaction for most people.  Most phones have a setting that is adjustable for “public” or “outdoor” conversations to help make this practice easier.  Adjust your speaker volume and avoid yelling. 


• Think about all the sounds your phone makes.  When you are at home, alone, take a minute to check how your phone indicates messages, updates or calls.  Is the volume loud? Might the sound bother someone around you?  Are there subtle tones that can be used that keep you connected to your friends and loved ones that will not drive another person crazy if they heard it ten times? 


• Always think about safety.  Avoid talking, texting, emailing or anything cell phone related when you are walking, driving or otherwise putting yourself and others in danger.  If you think about it long and hard you should realize that the technology allows us to communicate anywhere, anytime but we are the ones that have the choice to pick up that call or respond to that text or not.  If your activity involves your own safety or the safety of those around you it is a smart decision to put off communication until you are in a safe place where you can give your attention to the conversation.


• Think about other people.  This is something we can forget about sometimes- especially if we really need something or we have been waiting for information for a while.  It is OK to use your phone in public (at work, while dining out, at the movies, during a meeting) as long as you respectfully excuse yourself and move to a place where you can talk without bothering others.  While you are in this place, you should think about rule number one from this article: think about your surroundings. 

Almost everyone uses a cellular phone these days and we need to remember to think about others when we use them.  Just because the technology exists for us to talk, text or message anywhere we are doesn’t mean we should. Practice your cellular phone etiquette using the tips above and you might get fewer dirty looks while still keeping in touch.