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Cell phone etiquette is a term for the conventions of politeness recognized when using cell phones, mobile phones or camera phones.

The perceived rules of cell phone etiquette can vary. The following is a list of some of the more common rules associated with cell phone etiquette in Western countries.

Talking on the phone

One should respect the etiquette rules and when asked by an establishment (restaurant, hospital, airline, movie theater, etc) to refrain from using cell phone, they should do so, or alternatively excuse yourself from the public area and withdraw to a more private area to take the call.

It is generally seen as unacceptable for someone to yell into a phone when in public. If the person on the other end can't hear, it is better for the cell phone user to move to a new location or hold the phone closer.

Others may feel awkward if a cell phone user conducts an inappropriate personal call on public transportation, or in restaurants, checkout lines, elevators, bathrooms, and other close quarters.

One should avoid using their cell phone while driving whenever possible (in an increasing number of areas, using cell phones while driving is illegal). Using a hands-free cell phone has repeatedly been shown to be just as dangerous for driving as using a regular cell phone due to distractions. It is unwise to text or email while driving, even if the car is stopped. Cell phone use while driving can lead to rude acts (staying stopped at a green light, cutting off another car) or dangerous situations ("fender-benders" or serious and life threatening accidents).

It is generally seen as impolite to talk on the phone, play games or send text messages in front of someone who expects your attention, such as a grocery store clerk, doctor, business partner, or old friend.

When with friends, one should keep cell phone conversations short. Frequent or long calls can make one's friends feel unimportant or shunned.

It is very rude to walk down the sidewalk talking on the phone and expect other people to move out of your way. Pay attention to your surroundings. If you are unable to talk on the phone and walk on the sidewalk in a courteous manner at the same time, step over to the curb or against a building out of the flow of traffic until your conversation is over.

If two people are talking and both are on cellphones, and they are disconnected, the person who made the call should initiate the call back. Expecting the other party to call back, thus using up their own call credit, could be considered rude. Especially true if the call was not of an informal nature.

Camera and Video Phones

In addition, there are also rules applying to camera phones.

Taking advantage of the inconspicuous nature of a camera phone to take pictures of someone without their knowledge is widely regarded as both rude and an invasion of privacy. It may also be illegal by local, state, or national laws. (Taking pictures at checkout lines accepting credit cards may create suspicion of identity thefts.) As with standard cameras, a person should always be asked if their picture can be taken. However, it should be noted that while photography in a public thoroughfare is always legal in the United States due to the First Amendment, under specific contexts it makes people quite uncomfortable.

Pictures should not be taken at any museum, attraction, theater, or other public place where photography is prohibited by announcements or signage.

Some jurisdictions now have laws prohibiting taking pictures of private parts of someone's body without their permission.

If you do accidentally photograph a stranger, you should not post the photograph on the internet or send it via a multimedia message, which may be intercepted.

Internet Access

Most phones now are internet-accessible, and an increasing number of users are subscribing to the premium internet services.

While browsing can be addictive, one should refrain from such activity while socializing with others.

Cell phone screens produce light, and therefore should not be used in theaters or other places where darkness is a key factor.

Under no circumstances should the Internet be used while driving. If you must look up directions to some place or get a traffic report, you should pull off the road into a safe place.

External links

Cell Phone Etiquette Guidelines

The Ten Commandments of cell phone etiquette