NAGOYA (Japan), Aug 21 (Bernama-Kyodo) — A central Japan city said Thursday it will seek to pass an ordinance recommending residents limit smartphone use to two hours a day outside work and school, amid concerns over the effects of excessive technology exposure.
The city of Toyoake in Aichi Prefecture said the regulation, if passed, would be the first of its kind in Japan to set a usage limit on smartphones and other electronic devices.
The ordinance is set to take effect on Oct 1, subject to approval by the local assembly, Kyodo news agency reported.
“We want the ordinance to provide an opportunity for people to think about how they use smartphones,” a city official said.
The draft urges elementary school students not to use smartphones after 9 pm, while junior high school students and older should stop by 10 pm to ensure proper sleep.
It acknowledged that smartphones, personal computers and tablets are daily necessities, but warned that excessive use of social media and video streaming could harm health and family life.
The city said it would work with schools and parents to promote the healthy use of electronic devices.
— BERNAMA-KYODO