Toyoake, a town in Japan, is proposing a two-hour daily limit on smartphone usage. The goal of the limit is to reduce addiction as well as health problems. Residents have voiced opposition and are calling the limit unrealistic.
Officials in Toyoake are proposing a limit of two hours daily on the usage of smart phones for their residents. The plan intends to combat online addiction and provide assistance for sleep and mental health issues. The municipal assembly is debating the new rule. If they approve the rule, it will take effect this October in Toyoake, which will be Japan’s first-imposed limit on phone use for all residents.
The proposed limit will apply to everyone. Children under the age of 12 will refrain from phone usage after 9PM, while teens and adults will stop at 10PM. The limit does not apply outside the home for work or school. There are no consequences for violating the guideline as it is voluntary guideline. Mayor Masafumi Koki has a vision for quality health outcomes for the general public.
The officials in Toyoake are concerned with the detriments of screen time on their youth. They are worried that excessive screen time can lead to a loss of sleep and have negative mental impacts. The excessive use of smart phones in children can lead to developmental issues. In the 2025 survey, researchers reported that youth spend an average of 5 hours daily on online activities. Toyoake aims to raise awareness about this issue and encourage people to adopt healthier habits.
Most of Toyoake’s 69,000 residents do not support the proposed smartphone usage guideline. In four days, residents submitted 83 phone calls and 44 emails. Eighty percent were against the proposed guideline. They claim it violates their freedom. Residents suggest two hours is unrealistically short for young people. Residents in Toyoake took to various platforms such as social media to vent their frustrations, too.
Mayor Koki defends the guideline. He stated that smartphones are essential but are overused, and that the guideline should encourage discussions with families. He emphasises that if anyone thinks this guideline is going to be a fixed rule that you have to comply with… it is a suggestion and is not enforced on anyone. Koki emphasises that he is hoping that citizens will also assess their screen habits. Koki pushes that the idea is about balance and moderation and not control.
Japan has previously wrestled with screen time. In 2020, Kagawa was the first to limit gaming time for children. Children in Kagawa were allowed 1 hour of gaming time on weekdays. 90 minutes was allowed on days when children had breaks and holidays. Kagawa’s guidelines, like Toyoake’s, were not enforceable. Kagawa’s efforts highlight concerns to these issues.
Toyoake’s proposed guideline reflects a global concern. Smartphones and electronics affect our health and how we relate to each other. It struck discourse on the importance of balance and moderation. Some viewed the guidelines as too restrictive and others felt it is an appropriate alarm. The outcome of Toyoake’s guideline may improve the way communities engage with technology.
The assembly votes in late September. If adopted, the guideline kicks off in October. It is likely communication with engage or ignore citizens. Toyoake may be a progress evaluation in how we connect with technology.
Toyoake has taken a bold step which may stir controversy. The current proposal is meant to protect, but pushback may impede the progress. The proposal emphasizes issues associated with technology and screen time.
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