Cell Phone Etiquette at Funerals

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Monday, August 3, 2020

Funerals are a time of mourning, but they can also be a source of reconnection for friends and family. As such, it can feel like the time to pull out your phone and reconnect with those you have not seen in a while. Using your phone during a funeral can seem disrespectful to the grieving family, especially if used in excess. It is important to understand phone etiquette at a funeral, so that you do not upset those in mourning. 

Phone Volume

Your phone should be set to silent, if not off completely. A phone set on vibrate can still be heard during quiet moments, such as a service or eulogy. It is best to keep the volume off. If you need to be accessible during the service, walk out of the room and check your phone periodically, but do not walk out during the eulogy, except in the case of an emergency. 

Reconnecting with Family and Friends

It is common at funerals to see loved ones that you may have not connected with in some time. It can be a good idea to quietly and politely exchange contact information during the funeral, as long as you are not doing this during the service. If possible, exit the viewing room to do this. For more on reconnecting with loved ones after the funeral, see our article here.

Photos and Video

Overall, it is best to avoid taking photos or video at a funeral, unless specifically asked to do so by the immediate family. Taking photos, selfies, or recordings of the funeral or services can be considered extremely disrespectful. Likewise, avoid posting on social media about the funeral. If you want to make a post regarding the loss of your loved one, consider doing this beforehand, or after you leave the funeral home.

Young Children and Phones

It is common for parents to hand a young child a phone to watch videos or play games to keep them quiet during family gatherings. This is not a good idea during a funeral. It is important to help your child understand the importance of a funeral. Funerals can be an important teaching moment for young children. Not only would it be considered disrespectful for your child to be on a device at the funeral, you as a parent would be missing an opportunity to impart a lesson of solemn reverence to your child. For more information on talking to your child about death, visit our article here

During the Service or Eulogy

When the funeral service is announced, ensure that your phone is silenced or off. During a service, the showing of a memorial video, or a eulogy, avoid checking your phone. It is incredibly disrespectful, especially to the people who are speaking. Public speaking can be difficult, especially while in mourning. It is best to avoid disrespecting the family of the deceased by pulling out your phone during services.

For almost 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Tips for Pre-Planning Your Funeral

Pre-planning your funeral may seem strange, but it is a practice that can help you and your family in the future. People often see pre-planning a funeral as morbid, similar to how many people feel ...

Grief and Shorter Days

Grief and the associated feelings of depression can be a difficult burden to bear at times. Many studies have shown that sunlight and bright days can improve moods associated with grief and depress...

Funeral Flowers for Different Faiths

Faith and culture play a large role in the proper etiquette of a funeral service, and this also applies to the types of arrangements you should consider when sending flowers. Certain flowers and ar...

Could AI be a Tool For Grieving Families in the Future?

There is a lot of buzz around AI these days. And while the tools of artificial intelligence are still in their infancy, there is a lot of talk about its use in a variety of industries. AI could pot...

Reading and Grief

A book is a powerful tool. A good book can transport you to another world, or help you dive deep into your emotions. The right book can provide new ideas and unique perspectives. Reading books can ...

If You Pass Away Without a Will

If you are to die without taking the time to create a Will, there are procedures in place to handle your estate. Without a Will, your entire estate and all of your assets will enter intestacy. Inte...

Birthdays of Deceased Loved Ones

Birthdays are often a cause for celebration. But after the loss of a loved one, they can be a bittersweet reminder. Birthdays of the deceased don’t have to be somber days. Rather, they can be celeb...

Losing a Loved One to Drug Overdose

Drug overdose is a major cause of death in America, with over 100,000 deaths annually, according to the CDC. When you lose a loved one to an overdose, there can be a lot of mixed feelings surroundi...

Religious Trauma and Funeral Services

When grieving the loss of a loved one, religious services are often a part of the funerary process. While faith is not a requirement for grieving, faith-based services can often provide closure for...

The Importance of Close Friends After a Loss

It is easy to feel lost and alone after the loss of a loved one. Thankfully, you aren’t truly alone. Your friends are there to love and support you. Sometimes, all you have to do is reach out. Fri...