Japan City Proposes Two-Hour Daily Smartphone Use Limit

A city in central Japan has proposed new guidelines to limit smartphone use to two hours per day. The initiative, introduced by Toyoake City, aims to protect residents from health problems linked to excessive screen time. The draft ordinance includes no penalties and would apply outside work or school. Authorities stressed that the measure is only a recommendation, not a law.

Mayor Masafumi Koki said the proposal seeks to prevent both physical and mental health issues. These include sleep disorders and other problems caused by overuse of devices. The draft also gives specific advice to children. Elementary school pupils are urged to stop using smartphones after 9pm. Older students are advised to switch off their devices by 10pm.

However, the plan quickly faced backlash online. Many residents and social media users criticised the proposal as unrealistic. Some argued that smartphones are essential for modern communication, entertainment, and learning. One user wrote that two hours was not even enough to finish a book or movie. Others said families should decide screen limits themselves, not the government.

The criticism led the mayor to issue a clarification. He explained that the guidelines were not mandatory and no punishments would apply. He emphasised that smartphones are indispensable in modern life. The purpose of the ordinance, he said, is to encourage healthier habits, not to enforce strict control. His statement aimed to calm concerns and reduce misunderstandings.

The draft ordinance will be discussed in the city council next week. If approved, the guidelines will take effect in October. Despite criticism, officials believe the move highlights growing concerns over technology’s impact on health. The debate also reflects the global challenge of balancing smartphone use with well-being.