U.S. Cellular Helps Kids Mind Their Mobile Manners

With 75 Percent¹ of 12-17 Year-Olds Heading Back to School with a Mobile Device, Proper Cell Phone Etiquette is Lesson #1

Today’s tech-savvy kids are no longer sneaking handwritten notes to each other. They’re using their cell phones to send text messages or emails to the student right next to them. However, this type of communication can get kids into trouble at school and can also come across as rude behavior when in public or at the dinner table. U.S. Cellular is committed to keeping family and friends connected, and has offered tips on appropriate cell phone etiquette for kids when they are given a new device.

“Cell phones give young people some freedom, and with that freedom comes the responsibility of knowing the appropriate times and places to use the phone,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Missouri. “U.S. Cellular believes that your mobile phone should simplify and enhance your life and as a wireless carrier that takes pride in our relationships with our customers, we’re happy to provide these tips to help both parents and kids.”

To stay in check with cell phone etiquette, U.S. Cellular suggests the following:

Put People First. If you are talking with your parents or a friend, don’t interrupt the conversation by answering a call or text message. It’s important to first finish the face-to-face conversations before you start a new one.  If the call is important – say from your parents – politely excuse yourself.

Turn it off. In many places such as the classroom or the library, there are policies for cell phone usage. Be sure to respect those policies, and turn your phone off. You don’t want to distract the people around you while they’re working or get into trouble in school.

Don’t be a tell-all. Make sure the topic of your cell phone conversation is appropriate for anyone within earshot, and try to delay private phone calls until you’re in private.

Don’t make your cell phone a yell phone. The latest devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S III, pick up sounds very easily, so it isn’t necessary to yell into your phone. Make sure you use an appropriate volume level in public areas or consider sending a text message instead.

Be in the “now.” Because our cell phones are usually on us or near us, they can easily take our attention away from family dinners, movies and other social gatherings. Stay in the now by enjoying the environment you’re in and putting your phone away for a while.

While U.S. Cellular’s knowledgeable associates are always on hand to help families pick out the right devices to fit their lifestyle, Waddell notes the best advice they give new teen customers is to be sure to check their school’s policy regarding cell phone use.