DEAR ABBY: You have addressed cellphone etiquette in your column before, but in this day and age it bears repeating.
We attended a meeting for parents and students last night at our child's high school. Inevitably, a cellphone rang, which can happen to anyone. The ring was quickly silenced.
A few minutes later, another cellphone started ringing. Rather than mute it, the parent answered it and proceeded to have a conversation during the meeting while a school staff person was making a presentation. It wasn't a long conversation, but it wasn't quiet either. The parent was sitting in the back row -- he could have easily slipped out to have this "important" conversation.
Thanks for letting me vent. It was extremely annoying and rude. Now I know why his son has no common sense. -- ANNOYED IN IOWA
DEAR ANNOYED: At most events an announcement is made beforehand that cellphones should be turned off. If there is an interruption, an experienced speaker will pause until the interruption ceases. From your letter, I assume that isn't what happened last night.
Children learn manners and common sense by watching their parents. If consideration for others isn't modeled for them, they don't learn it.