The Japanese city of Toyoake is making headlines after announcing a proposal to limit smartphone use to just two hours a day for its 69,000 residents. The initiative, set to potentially take effect in October, is not about punishment but about promoting healthier lifestyles in a world where digital dependency is rapidly growing.
According to Toyoake’s mayor, Masafumi Koki, the proposed restriction would apply only during non-work and non-study hours. This means using smartphones for online learning, sports activities, meal preparation videos, or even esports training would not count toward the daily two-hour limit. Instead, the recommendation is targeted at reducing leisure scrolling, entertainment, and excessive screen time.
Importantly, the plan does not carry any fines or penalties. Rather, it is a guideline designed to encourage self-reflection on how much time families and individuals spend with their devices. Mayor Koki explained that the goal is not to impose strict rules but to foster conversations within households about balancing technology with real-life connections.
Despite the intention to promote digital well-being, the proposal has already sparked a heated debate. Reports from Mainichi News Agency revealed that more than 120 residents contacted city officials with feedback, and 80% expressed disapproval. Many critics argue that two hours is too restrictive, pointing out that it would not be enough time to watch a full movie or read an e-book. On social media, concerns spread rapidly, with some suggesting the city is interfering with personal freedom.
The mayor acknowledged the dual nature of smartphones—they are both indispensable tools and sources of overuse. He cited worrying examples such as students skipping school because they refuse to leave home without their phones, and adults sacrificing sleep or family time to continue scrolling late into the night. By suggesting time boundaries, Toyoake’s administration hopes to encourage citizens to reclaim those lost hours and dedicate them to rest, relationships, or hobbies.
The plan also includes specific recommendations for children. Elementary school students should stop using devices by 9:00 PM, while high school students and adults should disconnect by 10:00 PM. These guidelines aim to support healthier sleep patterns, particularly among young people.
While the proposal has met resistance, it highlights a growing global concern: how much screen time is too much? From parents to policymakers, societies worldwide are grappling with the challenge of integrating digital devices into everyday life without letting them dominate it.
Conclusion: Toyoake’s smartphone limit is unlikely to become a strict law, but it has already succeeded in sparking a wider discussion about digital wellness. Whether residents embrace the two-hour recommendation or push back against it, the initiative shines a light on an urgent issue: the need to balance the benefits of technology with the risks of overuse and digital addiction.
