Japanese city proposes to limit smartphone use to two hours a day

No fines are provided for violating this rule. If the measure is approved, it will come into effect in October of this year.

The two-hour limit is merely a recommendation to encourage citizens, explained Mayor Toyoake Masafumi Koki. The adoption of the rule does not mean that the city will restrict its residents or impose obligations. Koki hopes that the measure will give each family the opportunity to reflect on their time spent on smartphones.

The mayor added that smartphone use during non-leisure activities will not be counted towards these two hours. This includes watching videos while cooking or exercising, online learning, or preparing for an esports event.

At the same time, Koki acknowledges that smartphones are "useful and indispensable in everyday life." However, he noted that some students skip school because they refuse to leave home without their phones. According to Koki, adults also sacrifice their sleep and family time to continue using their smartphones and tablets.

The proposal from the authorities suggests that elementary school students should stop using gadgets by 9:00 PM, while high school students and adults should do so by 10:00 PM.

The Japanese news agency Mainichi reported that more than 120 residents of Toyoake called or emailed the city authorities regarding the proposed rule. 80% of those who contacted did not approve of the measure. Many expressed their dissatisfaction on social media. One commenter lamented that it would be impossible to read a book or watch a movie in two hours.