A town in Japan has proposed a new rule asking residents to restrict smartphone use to two hours a day. The plan, announced by officials in Toyoake, Aichi prefecture, is aimed at reducing online addiction and addressing problems linked to excessive screen time.
Mayor Masafumi Koki said the proposal seeks “to prevent excessive use of devices causing physical and mental health issues, including sleep problems.” The draft proposal is currently under review in the municipal assembly and, if approved, could take effect in October. It is reported to be the first measure of its kind in Japan that applies to an entire community.
The guidelines suggest different restrictions for age groups. Primary school students and younger children are encouraged to avoid smartphones or tablets after 9 pm, while teenagers and adults are asked to put their devices aside after 10 pm. The measure is non-binding, meaning there will be no penalties for those who do not follow the suggested two-hour limit.
The initiative has sparked backlash among Toyoake’s 69,000 residents. Some have criticised it as an attack on personal freedom, while others believe the time limit is unrealistic. Officials said they received 83 phone calls and 44 emails over four days after the announcement, with about 80 per cent of responses being negative.
The proposal highlights growing concerns over the effects of prolonged device use on health, especially among children. In 2020, a region in western Japan introduced a non-binding rule limiting children to one hour of gaming on weekdays and 90 minutes during holidays.
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