Toyoake City Proposes Daily Two-Hour Smartphone Use Limit

Toyoake City in Japan has proposed an ordinance urging residents to limit their smartphone usage to two hours daily outside of work or school. This initiative, aimed at addressing concerns over excessive device use, will not impose any penalties for those who exceed the recommended time. Mayor Masafumi Koki announced the proposal on Friday, stating that the ordinance seeks “to prevent excessive use of devices causing physical and mental health issues… including sleep problems.”

The draft ordinance specifically advises elementary school students to refrain from using smartphones after 21:00, while junior high school students and older are recommended to limit their usage after 22:00. Despite the well-intentioned aim of the proposal, it has sparked significant backlash online, with many users deeming the two-hour limit unrealistic.

One user expressed frustration on social media platform X, stating, “I understand their intention, but the two-hour limit is impossible. In two hours, I cannot even read a book or watch a movie (on my smartphone).” Others argued that decisions regarding smartphone use should be left to families rather than dictated by the city government.

The mayor responded to the criticism by clarifying that the two-hour limit is merely a guideline, emphasizing that the ordinance acknowledges the utility and necessity of smartphones in daily life. The proposed ordinance will be examined next week, and if approved, it is expected to take effect in October 2023.

This initiative follows a precedent set in March 2020, when the Kagawa region implemented a similar ordinance, which limited children’s gaming time to one hour during the week and 90 minutes during school holidays. The Kagawa guidelines also recommended that children aged 12 to 15 should not use smartphones later than 21:00, while the limit extended to 22:00 for those aged 15 to 18.

According to a survey published in March by the Children and Families Agency, Japanese youth spend an average of slightly over five hours online each day during weekdays. This statistic highlights the growing concern regarding screen time and its implications for young people’s health and well-being.

As cities like Toyoake seek to find a balance between technology use and health, the conversation surrounding smartphone limits is likely to continue, reflecting broader societal challenges in managing digital consumption.