Did you know that July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month? Yes, that’s right! The whole month is dedicated to encouraging people to be more mindful about their cell phone use and promote courtesy when communicating with others, especially in public spaces. To celebrate this special month, we’re diving into the origins and impact of this celebration, and how it combats the negative effects of technology.

The Origin

National Cell Phone Courtesy Month was founded in 2002 by etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore. Her goal was to inspire people to pay attention to their cell phone habits and become more mindful of how those habits affect those around them. With the proliferation of smartphones and social media, cell phone etiquette has become more important than ever. The idea behind the celebration is to encourage people to keep their phone use in check, especially when it comes to texting and calling in public places. This is particularly crucial given that many people are often unaware of how loud they are when speaking on the phone or how disruptive the sound of their constant notifications can be.

Creating Positive Impacts

National Cell Phone Courtesy Month has had a profound impact in helping people realize the importance of being more considerate when it comes to phone usage. As the awareness around cell phone etiquette has grown, the conversations around other related topics like cyber bullying have also increased. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying is a form of harassment that happens online and can have a lasting impact on victims. The use of mobile phone technology in cyber bullying is significant and often goes beyond simply sending nasty messages. It can involve sharing explicit images and creating fake social media accounts to humiliate or impersonate others. National Cell Phone Courtesy Month helps to bring the issue of cyber bullying to the forefront of people’s minds and encourages them to be more responsible in their online interactions.

Ways You Can Participate 

The foundation of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month is fostering good communication habits and promoting courtesy towards others. This can be as simple as setting your phone to silent while you’re in a meeting or a movie theater, or turning off your phone when having a face-to-face conversation with someone. You can also show support by sharing social media posts on the importance of showing respect while using your cell phone. Ultimately, it’s about being aware of your surroundings and respecting the people around you.

Conclusion

National Cell Phone Courtesy Month is a great reminder that cell phone use plays a significant role in how we communicate with each other. We need to be intentional about how we use our phones, both for the sake of being courteous and to make sure we’re not spreading hate online. Let’s use this month as an opportunity to reflect on our own communication habits, to educate ourselves and others about cyber bullying, and to promote a safer and more courteous digital community. Let’s model the kind of behavior we want to see in others, and start creating a culture of kindness and respect that extends from our mobile devices to every aspect of our lives. Happy National Cell Phone Courtesy Month!