A proposed ordinance in Toyoake City, central Japan, will encourage all smartphone users to limit their screen time to two hours a day outside of work or school, though no penalties will be imposed for exceeding this limit.

The draft ordinance, announced by Mayor Masafumi Koki, aims to address potential physical and mental health issues related to excessive device usage, including sleep disturbances.

The proposal specifically advises elementary school students to refrain from smartphone use after 9:00pm, while junior high students and older are recommended to avoid usage after 10:00pm.

However, the initiative has faced significant backlash online, with many residents deeming the two-hour limit unrealistic. One user expressed skepticism on social media, stating, “In two hours, I cannot even read a book or watch a movie.” Others argued that decisions about smartphone use should be left to families.

In response to the outcry, Mayor Koki clarified that the two-hour limit is not mandatory and acknowledged the importance of smartphones in daily life. The ordinance is set to be reviewed next week, with a potential implementation date in October.

This proposal follows a similar ordinance issued in 2020 by the Kagawa region, which limited children’s gaming time to one hour on weekdays and 90 minutes during school holidays, while also recommending curfews for smartphone use based on age.

According to a survey by the Children and Families Agency, Japanese youth spend an average of over five hours online each day during the week.