Japan’s Toyokawa proposes 2-hour daily smartphone limit

(Web Desk): The city of Japan has proposed a daily smartphone usage limit of two hours, though the recommendation does not come with any strict legal enforcement or penalties.

Toyokawa city officials have begun considering a non-binding bill that would encourage residents to limit smartphone use to two hours per day, excluding work and school-related activities.

The proposed bill does not carry any legal or financial consequences, meaning compliance would be voluntary.

The goal of the recommendation is to address mental and physical health concerns, such as sleep disturbances, that may arise from excessive smartphone use.

Mayor Masafumi Kōki explained that while smartphones are an essential part of daily life, overuse can lead to significant issues.

The guidance specifically advises younger students not to use smartphones after 9 PM, and junior high school students and above are advised to refrain from usage after 10 PM.

However, the proposal has faced online criticism, with many users calling the two-hour limit unrealistic, arguing that smartphone usage should be a family decision.

In response, the mayor clarified that the recommendations are not mandatory, but are intended as cautious guidance for healthier digital habits.