On Monday 5 Nov 2007, a working group, made up of Finnish telephone companies, public transport operators and communications authorities, are launching the campaign Äläkailota, Finnish for “Dontshout” (sic). The idea is to remind mobile phone users of courtesy, especially when using mass transit – what to talk about on the phone, and how to. In particular, the campaign wants to impact loud mobile phone usage as well as calls regarding sensitive matters.
The campaign’s web site features six counts of mobile phone etiquette:
- Be considerate. Don’t shout or swear, and don’t discuss sensitive, private issues when others can hear you.
- Neither reveal business secrets to bystanders.
- Respect your environment. When appropriate, turn your phone off, or place it in offline or silent mode. Such places include churches, libraries, movie theatres, aircrafts and hospitals. You do not always need to be reachable.
- Take notice of your tones. Loud key tones, ring tones and SMS signals can irritate others. In places such as buses or trains, consider placing your phone on silent or vibrate. If possible, use SMS instead of voice.
- Concentrate on traffic when you walk, ride a bike, or drive.
- Protect your phone. Don’t lose it. Use security codes to protect your personal and confidential data.
There is also a competition for the most embarrassing discussion heard in a public place.
External links:
- “Älä kailota!” (in Finnish)
- Media release: “Äläkailota-kampanja muistuttaa huomaavaisesta kännykän käytöstä” (in Finnish)
What do you think about using phones in public? Are the above issues a problem where you live and travel? Have you overheard something really embarrassing? Please post your comments!
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