Text Etiquette
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Texting has become the world’s latest form of communication. It’s no wonder why. Texting is a faster, shorter, more direct way to communicate with family and friends. But like other forms of communication that came before it (remember the letter or the phone call?) texting requires a certain set of etiquette. These rules may vary depending on the individual, so think of them as merely guidelines for how to be a polite, considerate texter.
Is it OK to text in class?
Texting is perfect for almost any time of day. While texting in class may not score you points with your teacher, most students do it anyway. An anonymous source said, “Texting makes chemistry a little less painful.” If you’re going to text in school, try to do it during your free, never in class. If you make the decision to text in class, be sure to have your phone on vibrate or silent. While yes, you may want everyone to hear your new ringtone, class is not the place to do it and your phone will almost definitely be confiscated. If you do hear a fellow student’s ringtone, never call out “what is that noise?” It’s never polite to rat out another student, even if they did make a bad choice.
According to the school, what are the rules for texting in class?
Texting in class is absolutely not allowed. When a student walks into class, their phone is expected to be off, not on vibrate. The first time a teacher catches a student texting in class he or she asks the student to put their phone away. The second time, a teacher may take the students phone and leave it at the front desk for the student to pick up at the end of the day. Some teachers, like Mrs. Ladd, make their texting policies very clear. “I don’t allow it; it's not only distracting to the students texting, but to the students around them,” says Mrs. Ladd.
Is it OK to text when I’m out with my friends?
It’s also a good idea not to text when you’re out with other people. If you’re with them, hang out with them and don’t focus on someone else. But if you absolutely must talk to that other person, opt for texting instead of a phone call. There’s nothing worse than being with a friend who’s always on the phone. Sophomore Hannah Nolte says, “I try not to text during dinner unless it's like Post Corner Pizza with friends who don't care and I can still participate in the conversation.”
How quickly should I respond to a text?
How quickly you respond to a text varies on the individual. Sophomore Lee Bolton says, “how quickly I respond usually depends on how quickly they respond to my text. I don't want to be too eager.” For others, like our anonymous source, it depends because they always lose their phone. Amanda Brodsky usually responds “within a minute” of receiving a text. It is more common for texters to respond right away. It’s polite, just as in any other form of communication to get back to the person as soon as possible.
Is it ever ok to break up with someone via text message?
It is never acceptable to break up with someone via text message. Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend over a text message shows that you don’t have respect for that person, and that you’re not brave enough to break up with them in person. Kendra Osborn says, “It's disrespectful and makes the other person feel like they didn't care enough for you to even tell them to your face that it's over.” Sophomore Claire Dickson says, “It’s impersonal and just plain mean.” Bottom line, it’s never ok to break up with someone in a text message, no matter what the situation is.
When is a phone call better than a text?
Although many of us are quite addicted to texting, a call is usually better suited than a text for a longer conversation. Hannah Nolte says, “If there is something big you need to discuss a call is always better...it's less confusing and takes much less time. Also if I haven't seen someone in a while and want to catch up I prefer to call them rather than send a text saying 'heyy...wut's up??'" Most people agree that for a longer conversation, a call is usually better.
How often should I text?
The majority of high school students text every day. And why not? Texting is a fun and easy way to communicate. Just remember your manners and soon your inbox will be full and you’ll have to switch to an unlimited texting plan.
