Japanese Town Proposes Smartphone Limit

A town in central Japan called Toyoake has proposed an unusual idea: limiting smartphone use to two hours a day for all its 69,000 residents. This proposal, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Japan, is currently being discussed by lawmakers.

Toyoake's mayor, Masafumi Koki, emphasized that this rule would not be strictly enforced. Instead, it's meant to encourage residents to manage their screen time better. The two-hour limit would only apply outside of work and study hours. There would be no penalties for exceeding the limit.

The proposal has sparked intense debate about device addiction. While some support the idea, many residents have expressed concerns. The town received over 120 calls and emails during a consultation period, with 80% of people disagreeing with the proposal. Some argue that two hours is not enough time for activities like reading e-books or watching movies on their devices.

Despite the controversy, Mayor Koki hopes this initiative will prompt families to discuss and reflect on their smartphone usage habits. The goal is to address issues like students missing school due to phone addiction and adults sacrificing sleep or family time for their devices.