Modern Manners for Today’s Teens: Keep Your Phone Silent
We can’t talk manners for teens without talking about cell phone etiquette! Whether we need our phone to connect with a friend, use maps, play music, catch a game, or watch a show, cell phones seem to go everywhere. Tweens, teens, and adults are more connected than ever. We’ve all been surprised when a phone rings mid-performance at the high school choir concert or been stuck in front of a younger sibling playing video games at a baseball game. Sometimes it’s hard to resist the urge to do what is easiest for us, but let’s be honest, no one wants to hear what you are watching, listening to, or talking about in a public place.
The First Rule of Cell Phone Etiquette
If you are in a public place, your phone should be on silent. The same rule goes for FaceTime, music, YouTube, memes, games, Netflix, Hulu and anything else that creates sound. In public? Sound off.
How to Keep Your Phone Silent
So, you want to use proper cell phone etiquette AND you want to watch the latest episode of your favorite show? You have some choices. You can use headphones. Watch on silent with subtitles. Find a private spot. Or if none of those options work, the answer may be to wait until later.
A Cell Phone Etiquette Challenge for Younger Readers
Next time you are using a screen in public, make sure the sound is off or you are using headphones. Help your younger siblings be okay with doing the same!
A Cell Phone Etiquette Challenge for Teens
Next time you are in a public place and see this happening, notice how it changes the experience for everyone. Imagine what would happen if everyone was watching “their thing” at full volume.
Success Story
A mom forgot all about this manner, but her kids didn’t! When she pulled her phone out to watch a video, one of her little kids said, “Mom! Your phone is supposed to be on silent!” She was humbled but chose to wait for a better time.
Do you want more Modern Manners in Your Home or Classroom?
Buy 52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens today. It has changed the lives of over 100,000 families and significantly improved connection and communication between parents and teens! You’ll find more tips like this one including how to be careful online and when to reply to a text.
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How is this one going in your house? In your opinion, do teens need this tip more or adults?
