Banning of Cellular Phone in Schools, Work, Theaters and Restaurants

I love my cell phone. I would be lost without it. As a matter of fact, last night I misplaced it for a few minutes and I freaked out just a little. You know the feeling. It’s always with me -except every night when its charging up for the next day. It’s my calendar, my phonebook, my clock, my alarm, my news, my camera, my map, my calculator, my fitness tracker, my wallet, my mailbox, my garage door opener, my thermostat, my voice recorder, my bank, my translator and my library – among other things. I have pages of apps.

Our society is wrapped up in its technology. I’m no exception. But are we using these amazing devices to make connections to people that matter most, or are they becoming more of an annoyance, irritation, and frustration to us and the people around us?

The Cellular phone was invented in 1973 when a Motorola researcher made the first mobile telephone call from handheld subscriber equipment, placing a call to Bell Labs. It wasn’t until the early 1990’s that marketing to business began to flourish. They were primarily used in the sales and business world until 1995 when consumers began to catch the cell phone bug. Initially cell phones were just for talking. Eventually, features like voicemail were added, and then cell phone manufacturers began to realize that they could integrate other technologies into their phones and expand their features. Smartphones evolved that let users access email, and use the phone as a fax machine, pager, and address book.

In just over 25 years we have progressed from phones being on walls to phones being in pockets. Computers have developed from complex, multi-component devices that few people owned to portable laptops and tablets that most people own. Entertainment has evolved from three channels on a 19 inch television to hundreds of channels in high definition on devices from handheld to over 70 inches. Yes, we love our technology. But, what is the price we are paying for all these creations? “Please silence your cell phones”. We have all seen and heard this announcement whenever we visit a movie theater to see the latest feature film. “Texting and Driving – It Can Wait” is a popular campaign to keep us safe on the road.

"Nearly one in three (30%) adults say the cell phone is the invention they most hate but cannot live without”, according to the eighth annual Lemelson-MIT Invention Index study. (Lemelson)

In “Minimizing the Annoyance of the Mobile Phone”, Don Norman explains the possible danger of cell phone use in public:

“We are in real danger of a consumer backlash against annoying technologies. We already have seen the growth of mobile-phone free zones, of prohibition against phone use, camera use, camera phones, in all sort of public and private places. The mobile phone has been shown to be a dangerous distraction to the driver of an automobile, whether hands-free or not. If we do nothing to overcome these problems, then the benefits these technologies bring may very well be denied us because the social costs are simply too great.”

The subject of banning or restricting the use of handheld cellular devices, or cellphones, in certain locations can be seen as one of several different hot button topics in the world today - a privacy issue, a security issue, or a free speech issue.

Technology has dramatically changed the world in which we live in many different ways – but at what cost? We have come to expect instant communication in all forms. In many ways, cell phones have simplified communications. There are many who believe that we should limit or totally ban cell phone usage in certain locations due in large part to the social distraction that tends to surround them. We are not talking about texting and driving here – everyone knows how dangerous that can be. The discussion here is about the intrusion to those around the cell phone user in places such as schools, work, theaters and restaurants. Others, however, argue that limiting this important means of communication would hamper important emergency communications that has proven to be essential in our society today.

We see examples of these intrusions in schools where grades are affected through the distractions of social media, texting and cyberbullying. In an article titled “Schools Seek Balance for Cellphones in Class”, author Linda Matchan says, “It is the most vexing issue of the digital age for teachers and administrators: What to do about students’ cellphones? Some maintain that smartphones and other devices in schools are crucial to being competitive in a global market, while others insist that phones and tablets distract students, compromising their learning and focus.”

We see examples in the workplace, where production can be hampered as employees become increasingly attached to their handheld devices. Meetings occur where someone constantly picks up and looks at their cell phone. A phone rings and the person not only answers the call but continues their conversation with no regard for anyone else in the meeting. My company constantly struggles with balancing the use of our technology along with providing undivided attention and extraordinary experiences for our customers. Employers cite distraction, wasted time, customer service and security as some of the concerns to their businesses.

We see examples in public locations, such as restaurants and theaters, where lack of consideration abounds for those around the user. It is far too common to see all sorts of people using cell phones in the classrooms, movie theaters, and our favorite restaurants. A scene that most of us have probably witnessed in the restaurant is the couple having dinner together, but they never talk to each other, or even look at each other for the entire time because they are consumed with whatever is on their cell phone.

We’ve probably all heard this joke that illustrates the problem with having conversations in public on our cell phones:

            I went into the washroom. The first stall was taken, so I went into the second stall. I had just sat down when I heard a voice from the other stall.

            “Hi there, how is it going?”

            I am not the type to strike up conversations with strangers while sitting on the john in restrooms on the side of the road. I didn’t know what to do, but finally I said, “Not bad.”

            Then the voice said, “So, what are you doing?”

            At this point, I was starting to find the situation a bit weird, but I said, “Well, I’m headed back east.”

            Then I heard the person, all flustered, say, “Look, I’ll call you back. Every time I ask you a question, the idiot in the next stall keeps answering me!” (Denton)

Are we all totally immune to the rudeness we have become so accustomed to? What should the etiquette be for placing and taking calls in public places?

In a story by CNN entitled “America's Quietest Town Where Cell Phones are Banned” Wayne Drash and Evelio Contreras explain that “Some people when they come here really freak out because they can't have access to their little devices."  They discuss how “strange and annoying it is to see people always diddling with their devices and not paying attention to what's going on around them.” A story by CNBC titled  “Why the CEO of a $1.5 Billion Company Doesn't Use a Smartphone”,  points out that for many people, their phone is a constant presence that causes them to split their attention –  what is going on on their phones, versus what is going on around them. To that end, Sheldon Yellen, Chief Executive Officer of Belfor, a 1.5 billion dollar company that operates in 31 countries and employs 7,000 people, has banned mobile/cellular phones from company meetings: “My thinking is: Let’s have our meeting; let’s get on with it,” Yellen said. “In a lot of situations, we have a basket in the room or outside the room for cellphones” (Ward).

The arguments against any types of limitations or bans on cell phones are many. Greir Cook, in “Pros & Cons of Banning Cell Phones in Public Places” explains that there are safety concerns: “Many argue that having 911 available at the touch of a button is critical to maintaining personal security. Cell phone bans impede drivers' ability to report an accident, road rage incidents, medical emergency or crime. Drivers assert the importance of the ability to call for directions if lost or receive help if their car breaks down.” There are emergency concerns. “Genuine emergencies do occur, and some calls truly cannot wait. People who have sick or elderly family members, parents expecting an important call from their child, and those in the midst of a crisis believe it's acceptable to leave their phones on in public.” (Cook)

And, of course, there is the personal freedom concerns. “Many people believe they have a right to talk on their phones under the First Amendment, and that cell phone bans intrude on their personal freedom. As they pay a high monthly price for this communication option, they believe they can use the devices wherever and whenever they choose.” (Cook)

There are actually many types of cell phone jammers on the market that prevent cell phones from receiving signals which effectively disables the cell phones in that location. Imagine schools where students were focused on their studies and not social media; imagine the movie theater with everyone quiet and no lights of keyboards from cellphones; imagine the restaurant where people would actually talk to the person they are with. However, these devices are illegal to operate, manufacture, import, or offer for sale in the United States. Blocking radio communications in public can carry fines of up to $112,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year. (FCC)

There are rationalizations for both the use of our constantly changing technology and for restricting its use. Passionate arguments as well as legal ramifications exist on both sides. Our challenge as a society is the continual development of social norms, etiquette and civility.

            Banning cellphones in schools, work, theaters and restaurants is not the answer. The real answer is the development of etiquette - self-control and respect for those around us. This is not an individual problem, it is a societal problem. Education – continual education – can move us down the path of change and improvement.

            This has been a difficult topic to write about in many different ways. I have learned and changed my thought process as I have researched and written this essay. I originally had a strong opinion for allowing the banning of cellular devices in places such as schools, work, theaters and restaurants. This belief stemmed from personal observations and frustration felt as poor judgement and lack of respect has been observed by so many in our culture who use technology. Personally, there has been a strong consideration of lobbying for change in the laws for the use of jammers. Guilt has built up inside me because of complicity in expanding this flourishing technology through my part in the sale and distribution of thousands and thousands of these devices over the years. I even feel guilty seeing people driving down the road talking on their phones.

            Many organizations and institutions are coming to the conclusion that technology is good when it is used with deference to the laws and people around us. Collège Jeanne-Sauvé developed their “Responsible and Respectful Use of Technology” which stated in part “The responsible and respectful use of technology is critical and students must always strive to be good digital citizens. The use of technological devices must never: disturb learning in the classroom or elsewhere in the school; violate the school’s code of conduct; be harmful toward another person’s security or well-being, or violate any laws or personal privacy rights.” (lrsd.net)

In a Deseret News Article “Technology Helps the Lord Hasten His Work” The Young Men General Presidency states “Be respectful with the use of your smart phone or tablet in church. If Jesus were in a sacrament meeting, priesthood meeting or Sunday school class, how would He use His smart phone? Would He be playing a video game or texting friends, or would He be reading scriptures and thoughts related to the lesson? Would He be respectful of the speaker or teacher and those around Him who are learning the truths of the gospel? We all know the answer to those questions.” (Deseret News)

            We have all heard and seen “Public Service Announcements” or PSA’s on the radio, television or even movie theaters. These mostly deal with health or safety concerns. “Some television PSAs have topics such as on not watching so much television, or not taking fictional shows literally; or about television, movie, or video game ratings. Public service advertising has become a significant force in changing public attitudes on topics such as drinking and driving, crime abatement and various health/safety issues.” (Wikipedia)

So, why not utilize PSA’s to change public attitude and behavior regarding cell phone usage – not just texting and driving – but about overall self-control and respect for others? We should include classes in our schools about respect and the proper use of the technologies that we enjoy. Employers teach about diversity and respect for others. They should also teach about how devices can both improve or detract from their businesses. Restaurants should have signs at their tables regarding proper ways to communicate like “Waiting for your food? Talk to each other”. A saturation of this message can slowly make change.

The fear is that doing nothing will result in greater deterioration of personal communication as a society. We already see it in many, many different forms - grandparents that don’t know how to communicate with the grandkids – children that don’t know how to play or interact with others – couples that don’t talk with each other – and distractions that result from the use of technology in all areas of our lives. A whole different essay could be written about the time our devices and technology steal from us.

We should have respect for one another and not allow our use of technology and devices to infringe on others. We should talk to one another and not allow our devices to do our talking for us. We should give our undivided attention to those we care about and not become so engrossed in our devices that they get all our attention instead. Let us embrace technological advancements that come our way, but let us do so with reverence for our God given nature of human interaction and communication.

  

Works Cited

Cook, Greil, “Pros & Cons of Banning Cell Phones in Public Places”, People of our everyday life.com

Denton, Lisa,  “Laugh Lines.” Chattanooga Times Free Press.   17 May 2002   (p. H35).

Young Men General Presidency and board for the Church News Deseret News, Published: March 6, 2017, Updated: March 9, 2017

Drash, Wayne and Contreras, Evelio, “America's Quietest Town Where Cell Phones are Banned”, CNN.com

FCC: Wireless Services: Cellular Services: Operations: Blocking & Jamming Archived November 18, 2016, at the Wayback Machine.

Lemelson-MIT Invention Index, “Eighth Annual Lemelson-MIT Invention Index study”,

http://web.mit.edu/invent/n-pressreleases/n-press-04index.html, Accessed 24 Jan 2017

lrsd.net/schools/CJS/News/Documents/Responsible%20and%20Respectful%20Use%20of%20Technology.pdf, Accessed 3/13/17

Norman, Don, “Minimizing the annoyance of the mobile phone”, Nielsen Norman Group, http://www.jnd.org/dn.mss/minimizing_the_annoy.html, Accessed 24 Jan 2017

Matchan, Linda, “Schools Seek Balance for Cellphones in Class”, Globe.com, June 16, 2015

Ward, Marguerite, “Why the CEO of a $1.5 billion company doesn't use a smartphone”, CNBC, 7/26/16

Wikipedia, “Public Service Announcement”, Accessed 8 March 2017

Ether 6

What is going on in our world today? Why all the divisiveness, anger, incivility, decadence?

What happened to common decency?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It used to be possible to think that hate-filled behavior was an isolated occurrence, common to a particular nation-state or time and to specific politicians, oligarchs or social classes.

However, as a result of public media, social networks, and smart phones, it is now obvious that people everywhere are susceptible to hate. The cruelty and bigotry in the egos of human beings and its violent and fanatic expression is evident and suffered globally.

 

 

 

 

Whom do we trust – political leaders, church leaders, coaches, teachers, parents?

 

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

John 2:23-25

 

Ether 6 :4 in the Book of Mormon says:

 4 And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.

The word commend means to entrust their care to. So, in other words, the Jaredites entrusted their care to God. By commending themselves to the Lord, they demonstrated their faith that He could and would deliver them. “The wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters” (Ether 6:8).

 

There are many examples of when people have not trusted God such as  Nephi’s brothers as they crossed the sea with their family. When Laman and Lemuel bound Nephi, the family’s compass, the Liahona, ceased to work and their boat was “driven back upon the waters for the space of four days” (1 Nephi 18:15).

 

Both the Jaredites and Lehi’s family sought to commend themselves to the Lord’s care; however, some members of Lehi’s family were disobedient. The contrast between these two accounts shows that we must exercise faith and keep the commandments to receive all the blessings the Lord would give us through His care.

 

Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy said, “ In the eyes and hearts of many people in the world today, there is evidence of doubt, fear, and hopelessness. Much of the insecurity in the world has filtered into our homes and personal lives. No matter what our age or circumstance, we all have a need to know that we have power in the present and hope in the future.

Every one of us needs to know that we can go on in the strength of the Lord. We can put our hand in His, and we will feel His sustaining presence lift us to heights unattainable alone.

We must trust in the Lord. If we give ourselves freely to Him, our burdens will be lifted and our hearts will be consoled.”  (“The Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand” Ensign, November 2003).

 

Listen to the words of Mormon: “Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power?” (Morm. 5:23).

 

 

Elder Richard G. Scott counseled: “Trust in God … no matter how challenging the circumstance. … Your peace of mind, your assurance of answers to vexing problems, your ultimate joy depend upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ” (“The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 76, 78).

The only one we are called to “entrust” ourselves to is God, and all other trust relationships should only be through that filter.

3 Nephi 27

Here is a question that people throughout all time have asked themselves – “What kind of person should I be?” I struggled with this question, especially during my teenage years – kind of like the question “what am I going to be when I grow up?” only much deeper.

 

There are those that don’t care who or what they are in this life. They don’t care what others think.  They live day to day and whatever happens, happens.

 

And then there are those who define what they expect others to be in their judgements of them. They seem to know exactly how everyone else should be. Something else I have struggled with – judging others.

 

The Savior posed the question in a far more profound way, making it a vital doctrinal question for each of us: “What manner of men [and women] ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27)

 

There are many things we need to do. But we also need to be.

 

Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy in his talk “What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye To Be?”, says, "be and do are inseparable". If we aren't both being and doing, then we're hypocrites. To give very simple examples, I can go to church every Sunday (do) but if I don't believe in the gospel then what's the point- there's no be. Or, maybe I believe in my heart the truth of the gospel (be) but if I never act on it by going to church, I'm not doing. Those are over-simplified examples, but you get the point.

 

Elder Robbins said “To become as He is, we must also do the things He did: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do” (3 Nephi 27:21).

 

To be and to do are inseparable. As interdependent doctrines they reinforce and promote each other. Faith inspires one to pray, for example, and prayer in turn strengthens one’s faith.

The Savior often denounced those who did without being—calling them hypocrites: “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6). To do without to be is hypocrisy, or feigning to be what one is not—a pretender.”

 

Ezra Taft Benson taught “To be like the Savior—what a challenge for any person! He is a member of the Godhead. He is the Savior and Redeemer. He was perfect in every aspect of His life. There was no flaw nor failing in Him. Is it possible for us … to be even as He is? The answer is yes. Not only can we, but that is our charge, our responsibility. He would not give us that commandment if He did not mean for us to do it”

 

 

I love this quote from Zig Ziglar:

You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness. Zig Ziglar

 

 

This world is filled with people who think they know best. Everyone has their opinions and they have opinions about everything!

 

Focus on what is important and don't be distracted by what may be in the winds of public opinion. Focus is so essential in achieving our goals. Too many of us are concerned about what’s on the right and what’s on the left, and we fail to adequately focus on what we should that is right down the middle. When we fail to focus on the right things, it is difficult to become the manner of men and women that we desperately want and need to be!

 

 

3 Nephi 11

General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives us an opportunity to learn from living prophets, listen to the Spirit, and receive answers to personal questions. We are so blessed to be able to watch General Conference from the comfort of our homes. I know most members of the church are glued to their TV’s as each speaker comes to the podium to fill us with inspired knowledge about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first General Conference of the current Latter-day Church was held on June 1, 1830 — a little less than two months after the church was organized — in the same Peter Whitmer Sr. home in Fayette, N.Y., in which the organization took place. Records indicate 27 church members were present for the conference, along with 30-40 others who were interested in the proceedings.

 

While the primary purpose of those earliest conferences was to conduct business, the church-owned Times & Seasons newspaper reported that “much exhortation was given, and the Holy Ghost was poured out upon us in a miraculous manner.”

“Many of our number prophesied, whilst others had the heavens opened to their view, and were so overcome that we had to lay them on beds, or other convenient places,” the report indicated. “The goodness and condescension of a merciful God, unto such as obey the everlasting gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, combined to create within us sensations of rapturous gratitude, and inspire us with fresh zeal and energy, in the cause of truth.”

 

Haven’t we heard these messages before?

They all sound the same. Why is it necessary for us to be taught the same things over and over again? Can’t we just get it?

 

Elder Bednar has said “Repetition is a vehicle through which the Holy Ghost can enlighten our minds, influence our hearts, and enlarge our understanding.”

 

Knowing that we need to learn principles line upon line, precept upon precept, the Lord repeats many concepts so that we do not miss them.

Heber J Grant taught “Like the frequent singing of our songs … , we can never repeat too often the commandments of the Lord to this people, and urge upon the Saints to live up to them”.

“Very many times people have said to me, “I am sick and tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. There is no need of repeating.” Many men find fault with the sermons they hear because there are repetitions in them. … It seems that the Lord recognizes the necessity of repetition in impressing upon the minds of the people any message that he has to give. Our Savior, in his teaching, would repeat, time and time again, in different language the same idea, apparently to fasten it irrevocably upon the minds and hearts of his hearers. ^“

 

"Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. " -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Isn’t it wonderful that we can gain the added benefit of repetition? Even the Savior taught the same doctrines multiple times to reinforce concepts. Consider how often He teaches us through the scriptures to believe and be baptized.

 

 

Imagine being present at what might be considered to be the first General Conference  when Jesus Christ visited the American continent after his resurrection. For 600 years, Nephite and Lamanite prophets had talked, written, and prophesied of the coming of Jesus Christ. They knew that He would not come to them during His mortal life, but that He would appear to the children of Lehi after His Resurrection. Believers put their whole faith and hope in Him and His saving mission.

3 Nephi 11 is the glorious fulfillment of those prophecies. Ponder what it must have been like for those who were present when the Savior appeared. Consider carefully what Jesus chose to say and do in the short time He spent with them and what that teaches us about what He considered essential.

 He taught things we are all familiar with:

3 Ne 11:10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world

3 Ne 11:11 I am the light and the life of the world...I have suffered the will of the Father in all things

3 Ne 11:15 did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and his feet...one by one until they had all gone forth

3 Ne 11:19 Nephi...bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet

3 Ne 11:21 I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people

3 Ne 11:25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you...

3 Ne 11:26 then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water

3 Ne 11:28 there shall be no disputations among you

3 Ne 11:30 this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away

3 Ne 11:32 the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me

3 Ne 11:33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved

3 Ne 11:35 this is my doctrine

3 Ne 11:40 whoso shall declare more or less than this...the same cometh of evil

General Conference Today is Meant To Guide Us In Our Lives Today

Our marching orders for each six months are found in the general conference addresses. As you thoughtfully listen to and study addresses by living prophets, you can learn the will of the Lord for you at this time. Prayerfully determine how you can use these skills to increase your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the messages He inspires His appointed leaders to give us.

“Nephi teaches us, ‘When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth [the message] unto the hearts of the children of men’ (2 Nephi 33:10).

An answer given by another person usually is not remembered for very long, if remembered at all. But an answer we discover or obtain through the exercise of faith, typically, is retained for a lifetime.