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| Japan, unveiled a proposed ordinance urging locals to limit smartphone use to just two hours daily outside of work or school hours. Image Photo by geralt| License photo |
Unpacking Toyoake’s Controversial Two-Hour Screen-Time Guideline
In August 2025, Toyoake, a city of around 69,000 residents in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, unveiled a proposed ordinance urging locals to limit smartphone use to just two hours daily outside of work or school hours. The draft also recommends device curfews: after 9 p.m. for elementary-aged children and after 10 p.m. for teenagers and adults.
The aim? To address growing concerns about how prolonged screen time disrupts sleep, strains mental health, and fuels social isolation, which can even impact school attendance according to city officials.
Mayor Masafumi Koki emphasized the measure is non-binding, carrying no penalties, but rather intended as a gentle nudge to spark family conversations about digital balance.
Why Many Say It’s Unrealistic.
Almost immediately after its announcement, the guideline was met with frustration and disbelief.
80% of feedback received during the first few days was negative, with residents calling the limit impractical and intrusive.
The city logged more than 120 complaints via calls and emails between August 21 and 25, many arguing it infringes on personal freedoms.
On social media, some expressed exasperation:
“In two hours, I cannot even read a book or watch a movie (on my smartphone).”
“The two-hour limit is impossible.”
Critics also warned that such guidelines, although presented as symbolic, could lead to stricter control if they were normalized.
Real-Time Reaction from a Local Resident.
One resident of Toyoake, and working mother of two, shared her views, and here is what she said;
"I understand why they want to reduce screen time,my kids are definitely glued to their phones sometimes. But two hours? That doesn’t even cover doing homework, video calls with relatives, or relaxing with a show after dinner."
She added that the guideline feels unfair, particularly on days when her children are helping with household tasks or unable to attend school due to illness:
"Some days they’re sick or out with family, so they stay home and use their phones for entertainment. Limiting them to two hours doesn’t account for days like that."
Broader Context and Global Echoes.
Toyoake’s proposal reflects a growing global unease over digital overload:
National data shows Japanese youth spend over five hours online on weekdays, raising alarms about screen addiction and mental health.
Similar local actions include Kagawa Prefecture’s 2020 gaming limit for minors (weekday limit: one hour; 90 minutes on holidays).
Abroad, measures range from South Korea’s planned school classroom phone ban starting March 2026, to Australia’s proposed social media ban for under-16s, reflecting rising concerns about digital well-being.
So, What’s Next for Toyoake?
The city assembly is reviewing the draft ordinance and, if passed, it would take effect on October 1, 2025. Officials have said amendments are possible based on public input.
Key considerations going forward:
Will the guidelines encourage real change, or be simply ignored?
Can the initiative prompt deeper discussions in households about screen habits?
Could this become a model, or cautionary tale, for other municipalities exploring digital wellness policies?
Conclusion
Toyoake’s smartphone guideline, a two-hour daily limit with evening cut-offs, is stirring heated debate. While officials view it as a health-oriented prompt, many residents see it as overstepping. As a working mom noted, the measure may be “impossible” in practice, but if it helps families discuss their screen habits even once, maybe that conversation alone matters.
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