Cell phones are one of the greatest inventions ever! They allow us to have a conversation with anyone, anywhere, instantly. They can also be used for texting, playing games, browsing the internet, listening to music and taking pictures or videos. Cell phones are so versatile, and they are compact enough to fit in your pocket. Why wouldn’t anyone want to have one?

I remember years ago when cell phones were the size of bricks, and were only used by business men. Now they’re the size of our palms, and are used by people of many ages. I often see 8 year olds (or at least that’s what they looked like) owning cell phones and I think to myself, why would they possibly need a cell phone. However, I look back to when I was in grade seven, and realize that I was just like them. I begged my parents for months, to get me a cell phone and I used reasons like, “I could use it to tell you where I am” and “I won’t always be on the house phone anymore”. At the time, my older brothers were asking my parents why I even needed a phone, just like I’m doing right now to younger children. Cell phones are now for “all ages”, and have become a necessity in our lives.

People are often caught up with their phones that they forget about their manners. I confess that I have been guilty of doing so. Speaking loudly on the phone in a public area, texting while talking to someone in front of you, extremely loud ringtones, answering a phone call without excusing yourself or using a cell phone in places like school or church, are a few examples of inappropriate and disrespectful behavior. Although these behaviors are common amongst teens, I don’t believe that they’re the only ones at fault. I often catch adults speaking loudly on the phone, driving and talking at the same time and answering the phone without excusing themselves. I regularly experience this while I am riding the bus. It’s irritating when people practically scream at their cell phones, telling the person on the other line their whole life story.

To avoid coming off as rude or inappropriate, here are a few rules regarding cell phone manners:

1) Do not talk on a cell phone while driving. It is now a law. As much as you want to believe you can multitask, it is better to be safe than sorry. Your focus should mainly be on driving, and you can always call someone back if you get a call. The chances of getting into a car crash are also greater.

2) Turn your phone off at appropriate times. It’s not right to have your phone ring while you are at church, work, school or a hospital. You would be disturbing people who rather have silence, and it is disrespectful.

3) Speak at a suitable tone. It is difficult for people to have their own conversations when all they can hear is yours.

4) Watch your language. This rule isn’t limited to cell phone use. Derogatory language is disrespectful and can offend the people around you.

5) Keep phone calls short, while with company. Nobody likes the person who completely ignores them to talk to someone else on the phone. Call the other person back (unless it’s your parents). Be considerate.