The Debrett’s Guide to Etiquette in the Digital Age

Think about what your ringtone says about you: head-banging rocker, fashion-conscious teenager, gamer, sci-fi nerd, smooth seducer, TV addict. Can you live with it?

If you’re embarrassed by your ringtone in certain situations: trains, office, when you’re visiting your mother, it’s almost certainly the wrong choice. Try again.

Monitor the volume of your ringtone – if it blares out and heads turn, it’s too loud. Remember there’s always vibrate. It may surprise your companions when you (1) , seemingly (2) , to answer an invisible, silent phone, but at least they’ll (3) the ringtone.

Ensure that your mobile phone conversation is not disturbing other people. Intimate conversations are never appropriate in front of others. Try and respect your own, and other people’s, privacy.

Don’t use (4) , have full-blooded rows, or talk about money, sex or bodily functions in front of witnesses.

Don’t use your phone in quiet zones on trains and other public places. Even if you’re not in a (5) , be aware that your voice will distract a peaceful carriage of newspaper-reading commuters. If the line is bad and conversations inaudible, explain there’s a problem and call back later.

Your mobile phone is not a megaphone, so don’t shout.

People in the flesh deserve more attention than a gadget, so turn off your phone in social situations.

If you are awaiting an important call when meeting someone socially, explain at the (6) that you will have to take the call and apologise in advance. Otherwise, excuse yourself and withdraw somewhere private to make or receive calls. Do not have a mobile phone conversation in front of your friends. It is the height of bad manners.

Step away from the phone at mealtimes. Don’t put your phone on the dining table, or (7) at it longingly mid-conversation.

Don’t make calls to people from inappropriate venues. A call from a bathroom is deeply (8) .

Switch off your phone, or turn it on to vibrate, when you are going into meetings, theatres, cinemas and so on.

Only make or take calls in the car using a hands-free headset.