Cell Phone Etiquette Tips for Tween Talkers

According to Yankee Group, a technology research and consulting firm, approximately 6.6 million of the 20 million American tweens – defined as 8 to 12 year-olds – had a cell phone by end of 2006. By the year 2010 the number of tweens having a cell phone is expected to increase to 10.5 million.

The digital divide is definitely decreasing.

The decision to purchase a cell phone for a tween is as individual as each family is unique. Concerns regarding safety, maturity, and responsibility will undoubtedly factor in the decision. For parents that decide a cell phone is right for their child, below are a few etiquette tips for the talking tween.

1. Maintain a distance of 20 feet from others when talking on a cell phone.
2. Use a soft voice when talking. A loud voice is disruptive to others.
3. Keep the cell phone off in classrooms, school assemblies and the library.
4. Do not accept calls at the movie, restaurant, elevator, museum, cemetery, theater, dentist or doctor office, place of worship or the public restroom.
5. Do not accept calls at birthday parties or holiday celebrations.
6. Keep the cell phone away from the dinner table. Focus on the family conversation during dinner.
7. Let a call go to voice mail if talking with another person. Or, notify the person ahead of time if you are expecting a call from a parent and then excuse yourself to answer the call.