6 Rules of Cell Phone Etiquette

As a teenager, you probably have a phone. Or maybe you don't (I think that's great)! Maybe your phone is for emergency purposes only or doesn't do much beyond calling and texting other people. Or maybe you have the latest iPhone with a million apps and free internet access. Either way, you should still bear in mind some basic cell phone etiquette.

Teenagers have a reputation for always being on their phones, all the time, to the point of rudeness. This blog is here to encourage teens to change the reputation! And being courteous with your cell phone use encourages people to look below the surface and not just brush you off as "another teenager".

So, here are some basic guidelines I can come up with:

• Don't answer your phone in the middle of a meal, club meeting, small party, important conversation, or other situation in which you are interacting with a small group of people in person, unless it is a real emergency (like your dad). Otherwise, turn it off and wait until later to return the call. 
• If you must answer a phone call in one of the above situations, apologize beforehand and explain that the call cannot wait. Then step out of the room to answer your phone.
• The same rules apply for texting.
• Do not text, surf the internet, or do anything that requires staring at your phone when you are having one-on-one (or two) time with a friend. They want to talk to you, not just sit there! (Exception: if you are looking at pictures or something on a phone and talking about it.)
• Don't stare at your phone while walking. Please. You technically should not do this with a book either, but I think people are more forgiving if a teenager bumps into them while reading rather than being on their phone. And yes, I read while walking sometimes. :) 
• If an adult is ever trying to talk to you, please please please do not use your phone in the meantime. This will give them a very bad impression of you! Try paying attention to what they are saying instead. 

To summarize, you basically should not ever use your phone when you are in a situation where you should pay attention to the people around you and/or be communicating with them!

What do you think? Do you have a phone? Do you use it responsibly, or is that something you should work on? Do you have anything you think should be added to this list?