Our phones are now a big part of our daily life. We use them for talking, fun, work, and more. But even though they help us a lot, sometimes using phones is not right or can be unsafe.
A study by VitalSmarts showed that 89% of people said careless phone use hurt their relationships. This proves how much our phone habits affect our personal bonds and social moments.
With this in mind, it is clear we should be careful about when and where we use our phones. To help, I made a list of 24 places where it’s best to keep your phone out of sight.
Did we leave anything out? Tell us in the comments!
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During a Meeting
Using your phone during a meeting is rude and not professional. It shows you don’t care about the talk and can bother others. You may also miss key points if you look at your phone.
In a meeting, keep your phone hidden. Focus fully on the person speaking and the people with you. This will help you pay attention and create a good impression.
In a Movie Theater
The movie theater is a place to escape into a story, not to catch up on texts or social media. A study The Hollywood Reporter found that 75% of moviegoers were bothered by phone use during films. The bright screen and noise can ruin the experience for everyone around you.
Many theaters now have strict policies against phone use during movies. Respect your fellow moviegoers and the filmmakers’ work turning off your phone or putting it on silent mode before the movie starts.
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In Classrooms or Lecture Halls
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Using your phone in class is a surefire way to miss out on important information. It’s also disruptive to your classmates and disrespectful to your teacher or professor.
A study at Rutgers University found that students who used smartphones during class scored much lower on exams. When you’re in a learning environment, put your phone away and focus on the lesson. Your grades and your future self will thank you for paying attention.
While Driving
Driving while using your phone is incredibly dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 alone. Even hands-free devices aren’t completely safe.
When you’re behind the wheel, your full attention should be on the road. No text, call, or social media update is worth risking your life or the lives of others. Make it a habit to put your phone away before you start your car.
In the Kitchen
Cooking requires focus and attention to detail. Using your phone while preparing food can lead to accidents or cooking mishaps. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that handling devices during meal prep may even pose a food contamination risk.
In fact, 49% of consumers use phones and other devices while preparing food. Next time you’re in the kitchen, try to resist the urge to check your phone. Give your full attention to creating a delicious and safe meal instead.
In the Bathroom
Using your phone in the bathroom is a big no-no. It’s not just gross, it’s also disrespectful in shared restrooms. A recent survey found that 73% of people admit to using their phones on the toilet.
This habit can spread bacteria and viruses, putting your health at risk. Plus, there’s always the chance you might drop your expensive device in water. Save your scrolling for a more appropriate time and place.
In Hospitals or Doctor’s Offices
Hospitals and clinics are places where using a phone can cause problems. Your phone might disturb important medical machines. Also, patients need a calm place to rest and get better.
When you visit a hospital or doctor, keep your phone silent or turn it off. Go outside if you need to make a call. Following these rules helps everyone get the best care.
During Religious Services
Places of worship are meant for reflection, prayer, and community. Using your phone during a religious service is disruptive and disrespectful. It can disturb others who are there to worship and connect with their faith.
If you’re attending a religious service, turn off your phone or leave it on silent. Give your full attention to the service and the people around you. This shows respect for the sanctity of the space and the beliefs of others.
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At the Dinner Table
Meal times are great chances to spend time with family and friends. Still, many of us often look at our phones instead of talking with each other.
A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology showed that when phones are at the table, people get more distracted and enjoy their meals less. Try to keep phones out of reach during meals.
Pay attention to the food and the people you are with. You will probably have better talks and enjoy your meals more.
In the Gym
The gym is a place for focusing on your health and fitness, not your phone. Using your device while working out can be dangerous, you might not pay attention to your form or your surroundings. This could lead to injuries or accidents.
Many gyms now have policies against excessive phone use on the workout floor. When you’re at the gym, put your phone away and concentrate on your exercise routine. You’ll likely have a more effective workout and avoid potential mishaps.
While Walking in Busy Areas
Walking while using your phone is a recipe for accidents. A recent study found that 31% of distracted pedestrians were involved in incidents. When you’re focused on your screen, you’re not aware of your surroundings.
You might bump into other people, trip over obstacles, or even walk into traffic. Keep your head up and your phone in your pocket when you’re walking, especially in busy areas.
Stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you. This simple habit can help keep you and others safe.
At a Job Interview
A job interview is your chance to make a good first impression. Using your phone during this time gives the wrong message. It shows you are not interested, cannot manage time well, and act unprofessionally.
You should focus completely on the interviewer and the talk. Before the interview, turn off your phone and put it away.
This will show the employer that you are focused and serious about the job. Doing this will help you have a better chance of getting hired.
In the Library
Libraries are quiet spaces designed for reading, studying, and research. Using your phone in a library can be incredibly disruptive to others who need concentration. Even the sound of typing can be a disturbance in this environment.
If you need to use your phone in a library, step outside or use designated areas. Respect the peace and quiet that libraries provide. This allows everyone to make the most of this valuable community resource.
In Restaurants
Dining out is a time to enjoy with friends or even by yourself. Using your phone at the table can be rude and distracting. When you keep looking at your device, you lose chances to join in good talks and enjoy the meal fully.
It is also unfair to the restaurant workers who want to help you. Next time you eat out, try to keep your phone away. Pay attention to the food, the mood, and the people with you. You will probably enjoy your meal more when you stay focused on the moment.
On Airplanes (During Takeoff and Landing)
Safety is paramount when flying, and that’s why airlines ask passengers to turn off electronic devices during takeoff and landing. The Federal Aviation Administration reports that electronic device use during these critical times can lead to distractions for both passengers and crew.
It’s not just about following rules, it’s about ensuring everyone’s safety. When you’re on a plane, listen carefully to the flight attendants’ instructions.
Turn off your phone or switch it to airplane mode when asked. Your social media updates can wait until you’re safely in the air or back on the ground.
At Social Events or Parties
Social events and parties are meant for interacting with people face-to-face, not through a screen. Constantly checking your phone can make you appear disinterested in the people around you.
It can also prevent you from forming new connections or deepening existing relationships. When you’re at a social gathering, try to keep your phone use to a minimum.
Engage in conversations, participate in activities, and enjoy the company of others. You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable social events can be when you’re fully present.
At a Funeral
Funerals are serious events that need respect and care. Using your phone during a funeral is not okay and can upset people who are sad.
This time is for showing respect and helping those who lost someone. Keep your phone off and hidden while the service is happening.
If you really need to answer a call or message, please go outside and away from the group. Remember, being there and paying attention is what matters most at these times.
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In Courtrooms
Courtrooms demand a high level of respect. Many courts prohibit the use of phones and other electronic devices. Using your phone in court can be seen as contempt and may result in serious consequences.
If you’re attending a court proceeding, turn off your phone before entering the courtroom. Pay attention to the proceedings and show respect for the legal process. If you need to use your phone, wait until you’re outside the courtroom during a break.
In Elevators
Elevators are tight, enclosed places where using your phone can bother others. The small space makes private talks hard, and looking at your phone can feel strange.
Instead of using your phone, try smiling or nodding to the people near you. Keep your phone in your pocket or bag during the short elevator ride. This little act can help everyone feel more at ease in the shared space.
On Public Transport
While sometimes necessary, using your phone on public transport can be disruptive to other passengers. Loud conversations or the sound of games or videos can irritate those around you, especially during busy commute times.
If you need to use your phone on a bus or train, try to keep your voice down and use headphones for any audio. Be mindful of the people around you and try to limit your phone use to essential tasks. This consideration will make the journey more pleasant for everyone.
During a Performance (Concerts, Plays)
Live shows are meant to be enjoyed right then and there, not by looking at a phone screen. Using your phone during a concert or play distracts both the performers and the people watching with you.
Many places now have strict rules against phone use during shows. When you go to a live event, turn your phone off and keep it out of sight.
Focus on the show without your device getting in the way. You will probably enjoy and remember the performance more this way.
At a Wedding
Weddings are joyous occasions that celebrate love and commitment. While it’s tempting to capture every moment on your phone, doing so can actually detract the experience. Many couples now prefer “unplugged” ceremonies, asking guests to put away their devices.
Respect the couple’s wishes and focus on the beautiful moment unfolding before you. Professional photographers are there to capture the event. Put your phone away and be fully present for this special day.
In a Changing Room
Changing rooms are private places where people need to feel safe and relaxed. Using your phone in a changing room can upset others and break their privacy. There is also a chance you might take pictures of others by mistake, which is wrong and might be against the law.
When you are in a changing room, keep your phone in your bag or pocket. Pay attention to trying on clothes without distractions. This shows you care about others and keep the space private.
Be Present, Not Just Connected
There are many times when using our phones can be wrong, annoying, or even risky. The important thing is to pay attention to where we are and who is with us.
Next time you want to pick up your phone, stop and think if it is a good time and place. You might find that you see, learn, and enjoy more when you are not staring at a screen.
In the end, the best moments in life happen when we are truly there, connected to the world and the people around us, not just to our devices.
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