In Japan, a new initiative has been announced aimed at reducing excessive use of digital technologies and mitigating their negative impact on health. The authorities of Toake city, located in the central part of the country, have recommended that residents do not use smartphones for more than two hours a day.
This initiative does not include fines or mandatory sanctions. Its main purpose is to ease the problem known as digital addiction and to promote a healthy lifestyle among both youth and adults, the report says.
According to a survey conducted by Japan’s Agency for Children and Families, young people spend at least five hours a day on the internet during weekdays. Local officials believe such a situation can lead to many issues — sleep disruption, difficulty focusing, and risks related to mental health. For this reason, the two-hour daily limit has been proposed.
The project also suggests introducing a special “curfew” for children. Specifically, elementary school students are advised not to use smartphones after 9:00 p.m., while middle and high school students should stop using them after 10:00 p.m.
The mayor of Toake, Masafumi Koki, emphasized that these restrictions are not mandatory. According to him, excessive use of smartphones may result in negative consequences, which is why residents should take these recommendations seriously. The final decision will be made next week, and if approved, the project will come into effect in October.
However, the initiative has sparked debate and different opinions on social media. Some internet users argue that two hours is not enough, saying that even watching a movie or reading a book requires more time. Others stress that such decisions should be made not by the state but by families and individuals themselves.
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