A central town in Japan is proposing to place a limit on smartphone use for all its 69,000 residents to two hours every day, in a move that has ignited heavy debate on device addiction.
Believed to be the first of its kind, the proposal is currently being debated by lawmakers after being put forward by Toyoake municipal government in Aichi earlier this week.
The Mayor of Toyoake said the proposal – which only takes effect outside of work and study – would not be rigidly enforced, but rather was meant to “encourage” residents to better manage their time on screen.
If approved by lawmakers, the rule will be passed in October. There will be no penalties for breaking the rule.
Masafumi Koki, Mayor of Toyoake, said via a statement: “The two hour limit… is merely a guideline… to encourage citizens.
“This does not mean the city will limit its residents’ rights or impose duties.
“Rather, I hope this serves as an opportunity for each family to think about and discuss the time spent on smartphones as well as the time of day the devices are used.”
Koki added, the use of smartphones during non-leisure activities, like, online learning and practicing for an e-sports tournament, watching videos while cooking or exercising, will not count towards the two hours.
The Toyoake Mayor admitted, smartphones were “useful and indispensable in daily life”, however, pointed that some students were missing school simply because they refused to leave home without their phone.
Koki also said, adults were forgoing time with families or sleep just to scroll through their phones and tablets.
The proposal is suggesting that students of primary school should quit using devices by 21:00 while older students and adults should quit by 22:00.
