The city of Toyoake in Aichi Prefecture is set to propose an ordinance aimed at encouraging citizens to limit their non-work and non-study use of smartphones and tablets to no more than two hours a day. This proposal will be presented at the city council meeting this month and, if passed, will take effect on October 1. Notably, the ordinance includes no enforcement mechanisms or penalties, making it a first of its kind in Japan.
The initiative stems from observations of excessive smartphone use among children and extended screen time among young children encouraged by their parents. In response, the city decided to create this ordinance as a measure to address these concerns.
The proposed ordinance also suggests guidelines for ensuring adequate sleep: children in elementary school should stop using smartphones by 9 p.m., while older students should limit usage to before 10 p.m.
In addition to smartphones and tablets, the ordinance covers gaming devices and computers, encouraging families to establish their own rules at home. Mayor Masanori Koebi emphasized the importance of understanding smartphones as useful tools while encouraging citizens to consider appropriate usage amid growing social concerns.
by MagazineKey4532