Telstra in Move to Improve Mobile Phone Manners

Australia's Telstra has commissioned the author and etiquette expert, Miss June Dally-Watkins and theatre and restaurant industry representatives to launch a new study of attitudes to mobile phone use and to call for better 'mobile manners' in the country.

According to the research, most people think that mobile phone users have become less thoughtful of others, with loud ring-tones topping the list of the most annoying features. The research, covering mobile and non-mobile phone users, found that 62% of those surveyed feel mobile phone users have become less considerate in social settings over the last few years, with non-users of mobile phones being particularly critical (77%).

"With 84% of those surveyed owning a mobile phone, it's important people are aware of how to use their mobile phones responsibly - whether driving, in an emergency situation or in a social setting," said Telstra Managing Director Products, Mr Rick Wakeham.

The survey of 300 people found that the most common complaints centre around mobile users who talk loudly on their mobile phone (30% of complaints), those wse their mobile phone in restaurants (26%) and those who answer their mobile phone while mid conversation (23%).

The research found that sending a text message is quite often a better option than making a voice call in some social settings. While 95% of mobile phone users surveyed thought it inappropriate to make a mobile call at a movie or in a theatre, only 49% of those users who also use SMS thought it inappropriate to send an SMS from the same venue.

"Technology, such as mobile phones, has posed an interesting challenge from a social etiquette perspective," said Mi! ss! Dally-Watkins. "As mobile phones become more ubiquitous, I believe that the inconsiderate use of mobile phones in social situations and the workplace has become the biggest threat to etiquette in Australia today."

Representatives from the restaurant, theatre and cinema industries agreed that better education around the socially responsible use of mobile phone was needed.

"I'm not surprised that most people are irritated by the use of mobile phones in restaurants," said Peter Evans, Co-owner Hugos Restaurant & Lounge and Lifestyle Channel host. "Our regular patrons are sick of loud mobile phone tones and barking conversations by inconsiderate mobile users at other tables. Mobile phone users should better familiarise themselves with features such as MessageBank, SMS and the vibrate mode, so that we can reclaim the restaurant and bar as venues for positive social experiences."

Posted to the site on 12th December 2002