Authorities in the Japanese city of Toyoake have called on residents to limit their daily use of the internet and smartphones to two hours in order to prevent excessive dependence. This was reported by The Guardian.
City mayor Masafumi Koki emphasized that such a restriction is necessary to prevent overuse of gadgets that negatively affect people’s health and sleep patterns.
The measure could come into effect as early as October. No fines are foreseen — the recommendation is voluntary and applies to both children and adults.
According to the project, children aged 6 to 12 are advised to put away their smartphones and tablets after 9:00 p.m., while teenagers and adults should do so after 10:00 p.m.
However, the government’s proposal sparked negative reactions on social media. Many users saw it as an infringement on personal freedom and an impractical decision.
“Two hours may not even be enough to read a book or watch a movie on a smartphone,” wrote one internet user.
Following the announcement of the restriction in the city of 69,000 people, the local administration received hundreds of messages. More than 80 percent of them criticized the government’s idea.
In response, the mayor commented: “I hope this initiative will give families the chance to evaluate how much time they spend on smartphones and to discuss it among themselves.”
According to officials, the project is also aimed at reducing problems associated with phone addiction among both children and adults. For instance, after smartphones were banned during classes, some students began to drop out of school. It has also been observed that some adults prefer to spend their free time holding a smartphone, sacrificing sleep and family interaction.
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