A city in central Japan has taken a bold step in addressing growing concerns about digital dependence, proposing regulations that would urge residents to limit smartphone use to just two hours a day outside of work and school.
The draft ordinance, introduced by officials in Toyoake City, Aichi Prefecture, would be Japan’s first attempt to formally curb screen time through local legislation.
While the measure would not carry penalties, authorities say it is designed to spark reflection about the role of smartphones in everyday life.
“We want these regulations to provide an opportunity for people to think about how they use smartphones,” a city official explained.
Mayor Masafumi Koki said the proposal is intended to reduce the physical and mental health risks linked to excessive device use, including sleep problems and stress.
As part of the plan, elementary school children would be advised to avoid smartphones after 9 p.m., while junior high and older students would be urged to put devices away by 10 p.m.
The idea reflects mounting concern in Japan about the impact of technology on young people. A national survey by the Children and Families Agency earlier this year found that Japanese youth now spend slightly over five hours a day online during the week, far exceeding traditional recreational guidelines.
Toyoake’s proposal follows a precedent set in 2020 by the western Kagawa region, which issued a landmark ordinance calling for children to be limited to an hour of gaming on weekdays and 90 minutes during school holidays. That rule also recommended curfews for smartphone use—9 p.m. for younger teens and 10 p.m. for those up to 18 years old.
Though non-binding, Kagawa’s measure drew nationwide debate over whether local governments should intervene in personal technology habits. Critics argued it was unenforceable and potentially an overreach, while supporters welcomed it as a necessary wake-up call in a country where digital overuse is on the rise.
Toyoake officials say they expect similar reactions, but insist the regulation is less about enforcement and more about awareness. By setting guidelines, they hope to encourage families and individuals to take control of their digital habits before health problems worsen.
If approved, Toyoake’s ordinance could make it a model for other municipalities grappling with the same issues. Whether it leads to tangible changes in behavior, however, will depend on how seriously residents take the advice in an increasingly screen-saturated society.
