[opportune]

I don’t think this is about the smartphone so much as lack of etiquette around the smartphone.

Unless his son is too young to have a phone he should be able to discuss ettiquette like no phone at the dinner table or while we are talking.

[notacoward]

I agree about etiquette. Using a phone while with someone doesn't bother me in and of itself. Shutting others out does, whether it's in person or online. The "with people but texting" scenario is difficult because there's no established norm for how to balance the competing social needs.