Toyoake City Proposes Smartphone Use Limit for Residents

Toyoake City in Japan has put forward a proposal urging all residents to limit their smartphone usage to two hours daily outside of work or school. This draft ordinance, which includes no penalties for exceeding the recommended limit, aims to address concerns about the potential physical and mental health issues associated with excessive device use.

Mayor Masafumi Koki announced the initiative on Friday, emphasizing the importance of reducing screen time to combat problems such as sleep disturbances and other health-related concerns. The proposal specifically encourages elementary school students to refrain from using smartphones after 21:00, while junior high students and older individuals are advised to limit their usage to before 22:00.

The response to this proposal has been mixed, with considerable pushback from the public. Many residents expressed their disbelief on social media, stating that a two-hour limit is unrealistic. One user on the platform X remarked, “I understand their intention, but the two-hour limit is impossible,” while another added that such restrictions do not allow sufficient time for activities like reading or watching movies on their devices.

In light of the backlash, Mayor Koki clarified that the two-hour guideline is not mandatory, highlighting that the recommendations recognize the utility of smartphones in everyday life. “We acknowledge smartphones are useful and indispensable in daily life,” he stated, emphasizing that the proposal is intended as guidance rather than a strict rule.

The ordinance is set to be reviewed next week, with a potential implementation date in October 2024 if passed. This initiative follows a similar ordinance from March 2020 in the Kagawa region, which called for children to limit gaming to one hour during the week and 90 minutes during school holidays. That ordinance also recommended restrictions on smartphone use, advising children aged 12 to 15 not to use devices after 21:00, with a later limit of 22:00 for those aged 15 to 18.

According to a survey released in March by the Children and Families Agency, Japanese youth currently spend an average of just over five hours per day online during weekdays. The proposed ordinance reflects ongoing concerns regarding the balance between technology use and the well-being of younger generations.

As the discussion continues, Toyoake City’s proposal highlights the growing awareness of the impact of digital devices on health and the importance of fostering healthy habits among residents. The outcome of the ordinance could set a precedent for similar initiatives across Japan and beyond.