Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Mobile phone ban in spa

214 replies

WhenZogateSuperworm · 19/05/2019 19:50

Whilst I fully expect a spa to have a silent mobile phone policy, why is it necessary to have a blanket ban? How is reading an article on a phone different to kindle or book which are allowed? How does me sending a text disturb anyone else?

I have a spa day booked but having just read the ban on phones (according to their info you will be asked to leave if caught with a phone anywhere other than the changing rooms) I am now wanting to cancel. I have a 2 month old baby and a 2 year old and would feel very uncomfortable about being uncontactable all day.

OP posts:
sweeneytoddsrazor · 20/05/2019 00:21

What makes people think they are so fucking special the rules dont apply to them. Whether or not you are disturbing someone, whether or not people should worry about being filmed, whether or not you have small children it doesn't matter. If you dont like the policies go somewhere else.

OccasionalKite · 20/05/2019 00:32

If this particular spa has a No Phones policy, and the OP objects - then the OP is free to go to a spa that allows phones and cameras and devices.

NunoGoncalves · 20/05/2019 00:46

I can put my phone down, I can manage without it. But I find being told I have to just annoys me. It’s my decision how I choose to relax

That's true, but it's a private businesses decision what rules to implement on their premises. Your choice is whether to cancel or not based on that.

Since you asked for opinions, I'll give you mine: I think it would be stupid to cancel based on this rule. If there is some great emergency, you will be contactable via reception, as was the case for decades before mobiles were invented.

greenlloon · 20/05/2019 01:02

I work from 12-5 in retail. As I said upthread, I have a SN non verbal daughter who is epileptic and hyperactive, with poor balance to boot. I'm not allowed to have my phone with me. In an emergency, everyone who needs it has the landline number of my work. I'm confident they'd come and find me if necessary. Not that it has been yet, despite the high probability.
totally different situation the obvious answer is cancel thats your right

Acis · 20/05/2019 01:08

I can put my phone down, I can manage without it. But I find being told I have to just annoys me. It’s my decision how I choose to relax

I'm not sure that it is when your chosen method of relaxation makes other spa users feel uncomfortable.

BarbaraofSevillle · 20/05/2019 06:38

On the one hand schols and nurseries insist on being able to contact parents at all times

Many workplaces ban phones (prisons, other secure environments) or the parent may be a teacher, or drive for a living, or in the emergency services or a frontline NHS worker. All these people may not be able to look at their phone for several hours while at work so there must be an alternative method of being contacted in an emergency, so no, schools can't insist that all parents are directly contactable at all times as it simply isn't possible.

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 20/05/2019 06:40

I can put my phone down, I can manage without it. But I find being told I have to just annoys me.

You must be an absolute hazard on the roads. "Yes, officer, I CAN drive at the speed limit, stop at red traffic lights and give way at junctions. But I find being told I have to just annoys me."

Entitled much? 🙄

floribunda18 · 20/05/2019 06:49

If they are banning phones then surely they must have a policy where they would come and get you in an emergency if someone phoned reception.

XXVaginaAndAUterus · 20/05/2019 06:56

If only staff had legs, eyes, a voice and a searchable database of everybody's treatment schedules to hand.

If only the human brain was an amazing entertainment device all by itself.

If only people realised that their screen addiction affects other spa users' enjoyment of a spa. Fuck the person who brings a camera to a place where I want to relax in a cossie.

but also lol at the person who thinks their phone would survive a sauna or steam room

londonrach · 20/05/2019 06:59

What a great idea!

ForalltheSaints · 20/05/2019 07:05

I would not go to a spa that allowed mobile phones. If I thought there might be the remote chance I needed to be contacted in a real emergency I would give someone the spa's phone number.

Most people in a spa, whether a UK one with swimwear or one abroad where you just wear a towel, would not wish to be photographed, or think there was even the possibility.

TheGoogleMum · 20/05/2019 07:12

The last spa I went to banned phones and had signs up so I left it on locker, I found later on everyone had their phone out regardless and was on them lots. It isn't always enforced

ScreamingValenta · 20/05/2019 07:16

Not body confident? On the contrary they’d have to be somewhat self obsessed to think a total stranger would be interested in taking a photo of them and putting it on their social media

Did you miss the furore a couple of years ago when the US Playboy model Dani Mather did exactly this - photographed a random overweight woman in a spa with a 'jokey' message and a horrified expression. She was prosecuted for it.

User8888888 · 20/05/2019 07:20

It’s sensible for lots of reasons others have listed but also practicality. Spas tend to be damp and humid- not the best conditions for phones. I wouldn’t relax in a steam room if I was worried about my phone going missing from a gown or getting damaged by water.

The bigger issue is probably whether you’re ready to leave your 2month old for the day. It’s perfectly ok if you’re ready but if you’re not, a whole day might just be too much too soon.

AlyssasBackRolls · 20/05/2019 07:28

How can people browsing on their phone or having a phone conversation be remotely different to reading a book or chatting to a friend? Bollocks to that I wouldn't go. They cost a bomb, spas, I wouldn't like being told what to do. It's not a monastery and any health or safety reasons is just rubbish. At owners risk sure, if you drop it in the jacuzzi don't expect them to replace it and same as swimming pools no photography in certain areas would-be reasonable but blanket ban just sounds joyless and dictatorial.

BelleSausage · 20/05/2019 07:31

Sounds like a brilliant spa.

You would hate where I’m going on holiday OP- no electricity or mobile signal. We’re doing a full digital (Mumsnet) detox.

If you cannot be without your phone for a day then you have a serious addiction.

SoupDragon · 20/05/2019 07:42

How is reading an article on a phone different to kindle or book which are allowed? How does me sending a text disturb anyone else?

"How is me having a quiet conversation on my phone any different to a quiet real conversation?"

"Oh, but I'm only taking a picture of myself"

There will always be one step further over the line. This is where the spa have drawn their line. Either accept it or don't go.

SerenDippitty · 20/05/2019 07:58

Surely a relaxing spa day is about leaving the stresses and distractions of your daily life behind. If you have your phone with you you are not doing that.

Acis · 20/05/2019 08:06

How can people browsing on their phone or having a phone conversation be remotely different to reading a book or chatting to a friend?

So far as chatting is concerned, without phones it's usually at a very low level because lots of spa users come in on their own, and even if they come in with friends they don't necessarily want to talk all the time. However, if people use their phones the volume almost inevitably rises as there are some people who spend most of the time having inane conversations with their mates - none of which couldn't wait till they've left the spa. It makes it the reverse of an enjoyable, relaxing experience for everyone else.

MrMakersFartyParty · 20/05/2019 08:20

Op I am going on a spa break tomorrow, with the same rules. I have 3 toddlers at home and one has chicken pox and I am quite worried. I didn't know about this rule as it isn't anywhere except for an email they send you 48 hours before the day you arrive with reminders. I am worried about or as we have never left the children before really.

Lifeover · 20/05/2019 08:24

You’re being ridiculous. You know up until 20 years ago mobile phones were like hens teeth, people actually used to laugh at them. You will survive, enjoy a tech free day see if you like it

MTBMummy · 20/05/2019 08:26

I'm a regular spa go-er and I get the rage that my local spa has lifted the blanket ban on phones, and now insists they just be on silent.

What use to be a lovely quiet day for me to escape the world including my phone is now constantly interrupted by the sound of either vibrating phones, or people who don't turn off the click for their keyboard, or the worst is people who sit listening to music which I then have to listen to as their headphones leak sound (as most do)

I've complained to the front desk, and occasionally had a word with people about their phones, but to be honest I've given up being Moaning Myrtle, because no one actually does anything.

Please share the name of this amazing spa of yours as I'm seriously considering cancelling my membership.

zingally · 20/05/2019 08:28

YABU

As an experienced spa visitor, I love the mobile phone ban.

If you're so concerned about the DC, then don't go. That's the simple answer. It's not the spa's problem, or the other guests, to pander to your worries.
Leave your phone in your locker, and check every half an hour, if you must.
And the spa would be able to track you down, if required. They'll have an public address system for emergencies they can use. And if you're in a treatment room, they'll check the booking system, and that'll tell them which room you're in. Simple.

How on earth did we cope 20 years ago?! All those dead/dying children, because their mothers couldn't be contacted for 30 minutes!

MarthasGinYard · 20/05/2019 08:31

Love the phone Ban

Hilarious how people can't possibly manage without one, However did we get through our day pre mobile phones Shock

flowery · 20/05/2019 08:32

”Op I am going on a spa break tomorrow, with the same rules. I have 3 toddlers at home and one has chicken pox and I am quite worried.”

Are you not leaving your children with someone you trust? And presumably the spa you are going to has a telephone number you can give to the person looking after your children so that in the unlikely event of an emergency you can be reached?