A new study examines the changing face of etiquette from Baby Boomers to Gen Z

From swearing in public, to being punctual a new study examines the changing face of etiquette across the generational divide.

Australia’s queen of etiquette Zarife Hardy, director of the Australian School of Etiquette, with a young student. Picture: Jamie Hanson

The changing face of etiquette in Australia has been revealed in a national snapshot of “polite behaviour” showing differing views across the generations on punctuality, swearing in public, earphone wearing – and protocols around texting before calling someone.

The study by McCrindle Research finds Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are “displaying more efforts towards etiquette in everyday encounters in society”.

But the younger generations poll strongest when it comes to recognising – and catering for – dietary requirements when hosting or ordering for others.

They also believe it is most polite to text someone before calling, to provide a heads-up on what the conversation will be about.

A study of attitudes to etiquette considers everything from waving at a driver who allows you to merge into traffic to returning a shopping trolley.

Older Australians are most likely to acknowledge drivers who allow them to merge into traffic, return shopping trolleys, be punctual and respond to an invitation.

They are also most likely to shun swearing in public and to remove their earbuds or earphones when someone starts a conversation with them, as well as put their mobile phone aside at the dinner table.

“Etiquette and manners are often seen as the guidepost and underpinnings for how a society functions … (our) research finds Baby Boomers are holding allegiance to the unwritten rules of society and wondering why younger generations aren’t following suit,” principal social researcher Mark McCrindle said.

Social researcher Mark McCrindle says Baby Boomers are more committed to preserving etiquette than younger generations. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Almost all – 92 per cent – of Baby Boomers will return their shopping trolley, compared to 78 per cent of the youngest cohort, Generation Z (those born between 1995 and 2009).

Baby Boomers are best when it comes to RSVPs with 82 per cent ensuring they do, significantly more than the younger generations.

Meanwhile, 61 per cent of the older generation say they avoid bad language in public compared to less than half of the younger population.

Being early and punctual to appointments remains of high importance to Baby Boomers with three in four (75 per cent) striving to be at appointments or meetings early, compared to 53 per cent of Gen Z.

Nine in ten baby boomers (91 per cent) will remove earbuds or earphones when someone starts a conversation with them, compared with 74 per cent of Gen Z.

Younger generations say they prefer receiving a text sharing the nature of a call before they’re called. Picture: iStock

Baby Boomers are also more likely to always put their phone away when catching up or dining out with someone (79 per cent), followed by 68 per cent of Gen X'ers (1965 to 1979).

Meanwhile, three in five Gen Y (61 per cent) and Gen Z (58 per cent) prefer receiving a text sharing the nature of a call before they’re called.

“It is clear that younger generations are setting precedent for components of phone etiquette that are not the norm for older generations today,” Mr McCrindle said.

Ms Hardy says ‘modern etiquette includes practising respectful communication’. Picture: Supplied

Australian School of Etiquette director Zarife Hardy said while etiquette “evolves and adapts to the changing realities in our society” there are sticking points.

“For example, speaking kindly to people, smiling, greeting someone, saying please and thank you, using eye contact … modern etiquette includes practising respectful communication, courteous language, avoiding anything inflammatory and offensive and being a good listener,” she said.