Some states, such as New York, have passed legislation that forbids the use of cell phones without a hands-free adapter while driving, and many other state legislatures find themselves in debate over a similar policy. State Rep. Mary Masher of Iowa City is drafting a similar measure that would allow Iowa drivers to use cell phones only if adapted for hands-free talking. Many dining establishments request that diners turn their phones off before being seated, and many cities are pushing for an ordinance restricting cell phone use. School districts across the nation have varying policies on cell phone use, ranging from being considered contraband to being OK to use outside of class hours.

While the driving and chatting issue is a matter of safety, the dining and class policies are a matter of etiquette and respect. When this semester rolled around at Yale University, campus and faculty leaders changed how cell phone use was viewed. An Oct. 23 article in the Yale Daily News describes the measures taken for cell phone consideration. Fliers, table tents and mass e-mails ask students to turn cell phones to silent, not vibrate. They have also asked students to not take calls in public areas such as libraries, dining centers, common areas and especially not classes.

Before I get stoned for hypocrisy, I admit to being addicted to my own cell phone. My cell goes most everywhere with me, with the exceptions of while I’m taking a shower and while I’m running (and my attachment to my cell phone is probably why I don’t go out running as much as I should). I’m not preaching, since I have forgotten to turn off my phone in two classes for my whole university career, but that’s definitely better than getting two phone calls in a row without turning your ringer off in the meantime.

I’ve definitely seen a range of attitudes regarding cell phones from my professors. Many syllabi come with reminders to shut cell phones off, often in emphasized text. One professor is infamous for tracking down the ringing phone and holding it until her lecture is over. Some professors will reassure embarrassed students that they’ve left the ringer on before, too, and others will understandably lose patience and give an admonishment to silence the ringer quickly. One of my favorite responses from a professor to-date was a good-natured, “If it’s for me, tell him I’m busy teaching. Thanks!”

Some educational institutions have morality in mind with cell phone regulations. Part of the reasoning for the control at Yale was that students become too busy to notice service workers in common areas and become desensitized in public settings, choosing a telephone over public socialization. Other reasons for bans have emerged due to concerns that students are using text-messaging options to cheat during tests, and further concerns that video camera phones are being used in restrooms and locker rooms. However, these are all separate concerns from classroom interference.

A study conducted by the Federal Communications Commission estimated almost half of Americans own a cell phone. This number is slightly higher for college students, according to Washington University’s admissions department, which estimates nearly 62 percent of students on campus have their own cell phone. Competitive prices have caused many students to carry cell phones instead of retaining land lines, especially with the cost-effective ease of using long-distance services. With the continuing trend of affordability and accessibility, the number of students with cell phones is expected to grow.

So it shouldn’t be unexpected to see students between classes on cell phones trying to get a ride from campus, making plans for after class or trying to con parents into sending them money. But I’ll say many of us could use a lesson or two in cell phone etiquette. People’s attitudes toward cell phones need adjustments before we face similar administrative interference which Yale is currently experiencing. Some people, out of embarrassment, just let their phone ring. I’ve had a guy walk in and out of a class three times to answer a silent call. One girl even had the audacity to answer her phone in class.

ÿBecause of this lack of common sense and respect, etiquette training courses have expanded to cover cell phone manners. One such Florida-based service encourages professionals to leave phones on non-ringing alerts in public, and to receive calls in solitude. Voicemail is an included service, and it can be used to receive calls when you’re not available.

ÿAlthough there haven’t been current suggestions to moderate student cell phone usage, watching out for ourselves is the best policy. The party plans can wait till you’re out of class, so don’t interrupt other people’s learning — or sleeping — during class.