Cell Phone Etiquette in Public

Cell phone etiquette in public is one of those things that we should probably all have down cold by now. After all, cell phones have been in widespread use for quite some time. Yet it still seems as if many people don't know the proper way to behave when out in public with their cell phones.

Significance

As with any other type of etiquette, cell phone etiquette is important because it aims to do a public service. People often annoy others with their cell phone habits without even realizing it.

Location

Consider where you are before using your cell phone. In some places, such as libraries, planes and certain areas of some hospitals, cell phone usage is not allowed. In other places, use your judgment as to whether it's appropriate to use your cell phone, such as while you're at a restaurant or during events where silence or quiet is encouraged. Consider those around you before chatting on your phone.

Silencing the Ringer

It is often a good idea to silence a cell phone's ringer. Cell phones should be set to silent or vibrate during important events, such as meetings, church services, funerals, weddings, or performances and productions.

Ignoring Calls

Not every phone call has to be answered, and it is often more polite to let a call go through to voicemail than to answer. Such times can include while having a conversation face to face, when at an important event, or when at a location where a conversation might be disruptive to others.

Lowering Ringer Volume

The ringer on a cell phone can be set to sound very loudly. Unless the user is hard of hearing, most cell phone ringers can, and should, be set below the loudest option.