Question

Are there rules about using cell phones, going to a party, attending school events, etc. that are known by your social group but not written anywhere? 75 words

Answer 1

When it is acceptable — or not — to use cellphones in public spaces

People’s cellphone use has injected itself into public spaces. This has blurred the line between private and public as often-intimate and occasionally blustering phone conversations have now become a common part of the background noise during bus rides, grocery shopping excursions, picnics, sidewalk strolls, waits in airport terminals and many other public venues.

going to a party

Is it rude to be on your phone at a party? Don't: Use your phone during meetings, movies, church services, or other places where you're expected to be attentive to someone else. Etiquette sticklers rejoice: This is one area where public sentiment doesn't appear to have changed at all. Nine in 10 people says it's unacceptable to use a phone in these places.

At school events

Every school has different rules for cellphone use, but most allow students to bring phones as long as they turn them off during class. Parents and caregivers: Check the school's rules, and make sure your kids are mature enough to follow them. Generally speaking, kids should use their phones infrequently and only when permitted, before and after—but not during—the school day, such as when they need a ride, their plans change, there's an emergency, or a parent or caregiver calls. (And grown-ups, although it can be tempting to text your kid during the day, resist the urge unless it's truly urgent.)

Students have been known to misuse their phones at school. Make sure they know not to use the phone for inappropriate purposes, such as cheating, harassing teachers and recording it, taking pictures or videos of other kids without their permission, and so on. Some violations have serious consequences—and the evidence is all on the phone.

To see how people are responding to these changes, people were asked about their views on general cellphone etiquette in public. About three-quarters of all adults, including those who do not use cellphones, say that it is “generally OK” to use cellphones in unavoidably public areas, such as when walking down the street, while on public transportation or while waiting in line. At the same time, the majority of Americans do not think it is generally acceptable to use cellphones in restaurants or at family dinners. Most also oppose cellphone use in meetings, places where others are usually quiet (such as a movie theater), or at church or worship service.

Answer 2

Answer: Yes, many social groups have unspoken rules regarding using cell phones, attending parties, and participating in school events. These rules are not usually written down, but are passed down through generations of students and reinforced through social interactions.

Explanation: Regarding the use of cell phones, there are often unspoken rules in social groups about when it is appropriate to use your phone and when it is not. For example, many groups expect that members will not use their phones during meals or while having conversations with others.

Attending parties is also an area where unspoken rules often come into play. Some groups may have expectations about the type of clothing that should be worn, the behavior that is acceptable, and the amount of alcohol that can be consumed.

Regarding school events, unspoken rules may exist around appropriate behavior and participation. For example, it may be expected that students will dress appropriately for certain events, such as graduation ceremonies or awards assemblies. Additionally, students may be expected to participate in certain activities or behave in a certain way during events, such as cheering on their school's sports teams or refraining from talking during presentations. These unspoken rules help to reinforce the culture and values of the school community.