Mobile phones are becoming increasingly common, but etiquette seems to be something that’s not as common as it should be. And parents who tell their children when and how to use their phones, should pay attention to their own use.
According to a just released survey conducted by Leger for PC-Mobile (President’s Choice Services), most parents are not setting a good example for kids in their own phone habits..
The survey shows 70% of adults in the survey admitted to breaking at least one social courtesy with their mobile phone. This includes:
-32% checked emails or texts in front of others at social functions
-29% used the phones at a hospital when they’re not supposed to
-28% talk or text while walking
-11% left ringers on in the theatre or meetings
-41% used phones in the bathroom
Other habits revealed include parents with children having cell phones have taken away the phones as punishment for bad behavior- 28%, for poor grades due to too much phone time-12%, and for running up enormous phone bills-4%
As a parent who uses her smartphone extensively, I understand the desire to be attached to your device 24-7, but there are times when you need to unplug as well,” said author and parenting expert, Kathy Buckworth, Chief Family Advisor for PC Financial®. “While mobile phones are handy tools, parents still need to take steps to ensure that their kids aren’t constantly distracted by their devices and know when to turn them off, such as at the dinner table or in the classroom.”
Parental controls on children’s cellphone use is going down as well. A similar survey in 2012 showed 33% of parents set mobile device ground rules for their kids, with 9% setting parental controls on the device, but this year only 26% of parents set ground rules, and only 3% set parental controls.
The survey also found that more than a quarter of respondents (27%), said cellphone use led to large, unexpected charges on their bill.
(Surprisingly the survey did not mention how annoyingly loud people think they have to talk on their phone, which is a question I would have included..what are your thoughts?
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