In a groundbreaking move, the town of Toyoake in central Japan is considering a proposal to limit residents’ smartphone use to just two hours a day, aiming to tackle growing concerns over digital addiction.
The proposal, submitted by Toyoake’s municipal government in Aichi Prefecture, would apply to the town’s 69,000 residents but only outside of work or educational activities. While the rule wouldn’t be legally enforced, officials hope it will inspire households to rethink how they spend their screen time.
“This isn’t about restrictions or punishment,” said Mayor Masafumi Koki. “It’s a guideline to encourage conversations within families about healthier smartphone habits.”
Notably, the rule excludes time spent on phones during non-leisure tasks such as:
Cooking or exercising while watching videos
Online learning
E-sports training
Mayor Koki acknowledged the importance of smartphones in daily life but raised concerns over their misuse. He pointed to students skipping school because they couldn’t part with their devices and adults sacrificing sleep and family time to scroll endlessly.
Under the proposal:
Primary school students should stop using devices by 9:00 PM
Older students and adults should wrap up by 10:00 PM
A public consultation period brought in over 120 responses, with around 80% opposing the idea. Critics argued the time limit is unrealistic, while others welcomed the nudge toward digital mindfulness.
If approved by lawmakers, the non-binding guideline will take effect in October 2025.
