Sometimes it seems like everyone has a cell phone, am I right? The age for cell phone use has continuously become younger, and girls who are barely teenagers can be seen all around carrying their new accessory. If you have a cell phone, it is important to remember that with a phone comes responsibility – and if you don’t, these tips might come in handy to share with your friends and family!
Believe it or not, using your cell phone is actually quite noticeable to others around you. Sometimes before you reply to a text, or answer a call, stop and ask yourself, “How will this affect the people around me?” and, “Do I need to check my phone at this moment?”
Here are some times when you should think twice about using your cell:
- Audrey, 14, New York said, “All of the teenagers are on their phones during church!” Many people think that certain places like places of worship, schools, restaurants, and theaters should definitely be a phone-free zone. These are all situations where there are people around you who can be bothered by you using your phone, which makes it disrespectful.
- Others can hear you!When you do answer the phone and other people are around you, remember that it is not a private conversation. We can hear your side of it, so be careful to not use offensive language, or share personal information.
Photo of Laura, 12, Illinois
- Although you may have a cell phone, the person you are with may not. When talking about showing off, Abby, 11, Nebraska wrote, “It really bugs me because they don’t need them, but they always have them and are talking about them. “Not everyone’s family has a phone plan, and it could be for any sort of reason. Be polite by being modest about your phone.”
- Many of you are too young to drive, but what about friends and family you are in the car with? If you’re a passenger in a car of someone who is using the phone, ask them to please wait to use their cell once you have arrived at your destination. Texting while driving is becoming a very serious issue, so speak up! Don’t let someone else put your life in danger.
- Holly, 18, Oregon said, “I don’t like it when someone gets a call and they ignore the person in front of them. How aggravating!” When you are having a one-on-one conversation with someone, let your phone take a voice message. If you know it will not be urgent, don’t feel rushed to end the discussion you are already having. The same thing goes for when you are checking out an item at a store, if you are in the middle of a purchase, let your phone take a message.
If you have a cell phone, enjoy the freedom you get with having it, but remember that it is your job to have good manners when using it. When do you think is the right age to get a cell phone? Do you have “No Phone Zones” in your house or school? What are other ways you interact with your friends and family without using a cell phone? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Whitney
New Moon Intern
