Cell Phone Etiquette OR "Be Present"

I'm teaching a class in Church tonight on cellphone etiquette for all the RS women and the Young Women...it is part of a whole evening of "Shopping at the Mall" or "Master In Charge".

I was asked to be the "Manager" of the "Verizon Store"...the idea is based on Brad Willcox's talk on not letting texting from taking over your life, aimed at teenagers. Elder David Bednar spoke about technology also interfering with human relationships in a talk he gave at a CES fireside May 3rd. Apparently, it's not just me who gets annoyed that my teens are slaves to their little phones--the ones we got them so that WE could keep in touch with them--but now those little devices are part of their everyday apparel...they wear them on their bodies--tucked into a pocket or even in their hands ALL DAY LONG and into the night.

The kids know there is absolutely no phones at the table, or at church. And, if I'm talking to them and their phones chimes to let them know they've rec'd a text--they'd best leave it sit for a moment while I have their attention. Otherwise, I get to have the phone until they remember their good manners.

Is it just me that feels awkward when you're in a store or a public place, and you can hear what should be a private conversation coming from the person next to you?? HOW CAN I NOT LISTEN? Eavesdropping is inevitable! And it's weird.

And what about when you're in line behind someone who is so busy talking on their cell phone that they cannot finish their business with the clerk until they're finished with their conversation on the phone? UGH

How many car accidents have I avoided because I was the ONE who was paying attention to the other driver who was on the phone?

Have you ever turned b/c you thought someone was talking to you and they were talking on their cellphone??

What really gets my goat is watching young people text or play games in Church. Not Appropriate. And you know what? It's not just young people. I see grown ups messing with their little toys too..out in the halls, instead of being in their classes, or even in the Chapel--{shaking head}...come on folks, grow up. Leave your toys at home.

Am I just old-fashioned?

Be where you are. BE Present. Join Now. as in Join the NOW. the moment. the people you are with.

I know for a fact that when my kids have had friends come visit--especially ones they haven't seen in awhile--and all that friend does is text or talk to other friends who are not there--it makes my kids feel less important. They've said that. They get that from me. I'm the same way. If you're with me, be with Me. Can't anything wait anymore? Unless you're a Fire Chief, an OB, or a Brain Surgeon--that call can wait, can't it?

While at Wally World this morning picking up things for this evening, I got a call from Dani. I told her that I would have to call her back, because I was checking out and the clerk deserved my attention. The clerk smiled at me. I then apologized for being rude when I first got in front of her, and even told her I was teaching this class tonight on cell phone etiquette. Boy! Did she have alot to say about her own experience with her kids--she even asked where and what time the class is tonight. When I told her it was at the Church--she said, "Oh the Mormons? You guys always come up with good ideas for your kids."

I replied, "That's because we're trying to hold onto them."

That's why.