Welcome to our series sharing Unique Holidays: July 2022: Cell Phone Courtesy Month. I don’t know about you but I am so happy to find out about this holiday because I feel like the cell phone is taking over my families lives which I want to take back as soon as possible.
Cell Phone Courtesy Month
National Cell Phone Courtesy Month in July, allows us to take a step back and try to distance ourself from our cellphones. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Well, that is exactly what this holiday is all about. Or to create awareness regarding the habits we have formed since cell phones took over our lives. It’s possible to say that nowadays a man’s best friend is the cellphone, and there are certain rules we must conform to if we want to create a more mindful Society. This year, celebrate National Cell Phone Courtesy Month and find out all that you can about how a cell phone should be used in public.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CELL PHONE COURTESY MONTH
Cell phones have become such an essential part of our lives, we find it next to impossible to detach ourselves from the cell phone. This means, your looking at your cell phone screens while on a date, eating a meal, during meetings and and sometimes even in the toilet. While this behavior feels normal, the fact is, people around us will often judge us for our lack of cell phone etiquette. For instance, using a mobile phone during an employment interview could cost someone the job. Keeping these factors in mind, Jacqueline Whitmore, a manners expert from Palm Beach, Florida, created National Cell Phone Courtesy Month in 2002.
This move was taken seriously since Jacqueline is an international etiquette expert who also founded the Protocol School of Palm Beach in 1998. Some of the issues brought forward by Jacqueline included the amount of time a cellphone is used every day, if the cell phone is used while driving or at social gatherings, and sending text messages when angry. It is an analysis of the simple habits that actually determine our addiction to our cell phones, and to what extent mobile phone etiquette is being surpassed.
According to a study published in 2015, 77% of all adults in the U.S. believe it is okay for people to use their cell phones while walking down the street, whereas 75% support the use of phones on public transit. Now you know why people seated next to you on a train continue to have loud private conversations without even thinking if they are being a bother?
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CELL PHONE COURTESY MONTH
- The first iPhone is launched.
- Pick a specific time where you are willing to completely turn your cell phone off and not use it which could be for a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks!
- Though we assume we have all the manners in the world, are we really following the correct cell phone usage etiquette? Read up more on cell phone etiquette to find out about the mistakes you might be making.
- Not everyone knows about this month or why learning cell phone etiquette is so important. Use this opportunity to speak about the issue as much as you can and share on Social Media.
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT CELL PHONES
- Did you know mobile radiation has been linked to infertility, headaches, insomnia, and tumors.
- One of the best-selling mobile phones is the Nokia 1100 which sold 250 million units.
- Finland actually has a mobile-phone-throwing championship.
- The most expensive cell phone made by Apple costs $15.3 million and has 26-carat black diamonds.
- The addiction to cell phones is known as NOMOPHOBIA or NO MObile PHone PhoBIA and over 200,000 million people suffer from this addiction. Are you one of those people because at times I feel like my son and I are.
WHY NATIONAL CELL PHONE COURTESY MONTH IS IMPORTANT
- During the month, webinars and events are held to talk about how cell phones are supposed to be used in public spaces, private gatherings, and offices.
- The month reminds everyone of the time when we weren’t glued to our cell phone screens all the time. Nor did we limit our conversations to messages.
- This month actually helps people take a break from their cell phones and teaches them to be more present. Consider this holiday a cell phone detox.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
