Japanese Town Proposes 2-Hour Daily Smartphone Limit for All Residents

Toyoake, a town in Aichi prefecture, Japan, has proposed that all 69,000 residents limit their smartphone use to two hours per day outside of work and study. The proposal is thought to be the first of its kind in Japan.

Mayor Masafumi Koki said the rule would not be enforced and carries no penalties. Its purpose is to encourage residents to manage their screen time and to spark conversations about device use within families.

If the bill passes, primary school children would be expected to stop using devices after 9 pm, while older students and adults would be expected to stop by 10 pm. For example, time spent doing non-recreational screen time (e.g. online lessons, e-sports practice, or watching videos while cooking and exercising), would not count towards the two-hour ceiling.

The proposed bill follows officials' concerns about excessive smartphone use interfering with sleep, school attendance and family time. According to some, children reportedly refuse to leave home without a phone, and adults usually stay up well past bedtime online missing out on need family time and sleep.

The idea has drawn criticism. Over 120 residents contacted city authorities during a consultation period, with about 80% opposing the measure. Many social media users said two hours is too little, not even enough to read a book or watch a movie on a phone.

The Toyoake municipal assembly will vote on the non-binding proposal next month. If passed, it would take effect in October.