Cities In Japan Plan To Limit The Use Of Smartphones 2 Hours Per Day

JAKARTA - The city government in Japan said on Thursday it was trying to certify regulations recommending all residents to limit the use of smartphones to only two hours a day outside of working hours and schools.

The proposal for this restriction was put forward by the authority of Toyoake City, Aichi Prefecture amid concerns about the impact of excessive technology exposure, although no sanctions were proposed.

This is likely to be Japan's first city regulation targeting restrictions on the use of smartphones and other electronics, according to the city government.

"We want these regulations to provide an opportunity for people to think about how they use smartphones," an official said.

If passed by the local council, the regulation will take effect on October 1.

To ensure that the children get a good night's sleep, the draft regulation urges elementary school students not to use smartphones after 21.00. Meanwhile, junior high school students go up to put their devices down before 22.00.

The draft regulation recognizes smartphones, personal computers, and tablets as a necessity, but warns excessive use of social media and video streaming could have a negative impact on health and family life.

The city government will work closely with schools and parents to promote the use of healthy electronic devices, according to the draft regulation.