Responsible Use of Cell Phones
Nearly everyone has a cell phone these days. As with any new technology, it has taken people some time to understand the appropriate uses of cell phones. There are several practices to avoid.
Other People Are Reading
-
Driving while Talking
-
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute combined several of the large-scale driving studies for a snapshot of distracted driving in 2009. One conclusion was that, in light vehicles, the risk of crash was 2.8 times higher when dialing a cell phone and 1.3 times as high when conversing on a cell phone as when driving without distractions.
Driving while Texting
-
In the Virginia Tech study, it was determined that in heavy vehicles and trucks, texting while driving resulted in a risk of 23.2 times higher than being undistracted while driving.
-
Cyberbullying
-
Cyberbullying takes place between two minor children when one uses an electronic device such as a cell phone to intimidate, harass or threaten the other. This practice can result in violence between the people involved or criminal charges for the cyberbully, states StopCyberbullying.com, a program of Wired Kids Inc.
Disturbing Others
-
Texting during funerals, theater showings, classes and other quiet events shows a lack of respect for other participants. It is not responsible cell phone use.
Inappropriate Pictures
-
Channel WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina, reported in 2007 the story of a 15-year old who was charged with taking inappropriate, sexually explicit photographs using a cell phone. Responsible use of a cell phone includes understanding what pictures are appropriate to take.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cell phone call image by Donald Joski from Fotolia.com
