Toyoake City Proposes Two-Hour Daily Smartphone Usage Limit

Toyoake City, located in central Japan, has put forth a proposal urging residents to limit their smartphone use to just two hours per day outside of work and school. This initiative, announced by Mayor Masafumi Koki, aims to mitigate the physical and mental health issues associated with excessive screen time, such as sleep problems. The proposed ordinance, which will be considered next week, does not include any penalties for those who exceed the recommended limit.

The draft ordinance suggests that elementary school students should refrain from using smartphones after 21:00, while junior high students and older are advised to avoid usage after 22:00. Despite its intentions, the proposal has sparked significant backlash online. Many residents expressed skepticism about the feasibility of adhering to a two-hour limit. One user on social media platform X remarked, “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).”

Critics argue that decisions regarding smartphone usage should be left to families rather than mandated by local authorities. In response to the public outcry, Mayor Koki emphasized that the limit is merely a guideline, not a regulation, asserting that smartphones play an indispensable role in modern life.

If the ordinance is approved, it is expected to take effect in October 2023. This proposed limit follows a similar initiative from March 2020, when the western Kagawa region introduced an ordinance that restricted gaming time for children to one hour on weekdays and 90 minutes during school holidays. Additionally, that ordinance recommended that children aged 12 to 15 avoid smartphone use after 21:00, with the limit extending to 22:00 for those aged 15 to 18.

According to a survey conducted by the Children and Families Agency in March, Japanese youth spend an average of slightly over five hours online each day during the week. This alarming trend highlights the growing concern over screen time among young people in Japan. As the debate continues, Toyoake City’s proposal stands as a significant attempt to address these pressing health issues within the community.