A town in central Japan is taking bold steps to address the growing concern over smartphone addiction. Lawmakers in Toyoake, Aichi Prefecture, are reviewing a proposal to limit residents’ smartphone use to just two hours per day. The plan was submitted on August 25 and would apply to all 69,000 residents, but would exclude work and study-related use.
The measure, believed to be the first of its kind in Japan, is not designed to punish residents. Instead, Mayor Yoshihiro Watanabe said it is meant to encourage people to take better control of their screen time and reduce the negative effects of device overuse. No penalties will be imposed on those who go over the recommended limit.
If approved in October, the rule could mark a new approach to tackling digital dependence in a country where smartphones have become an inseparable part of daily life. The proposal has already sparked heated debate nationwide about personal freedom, public health, and the government’s role in shaping daily habits.
Social media isn’t just something we scroll through anymore—it has become an essential part of how we live and connect. On average, people spend two and a half hours a day online, with some countries logging even higher numbers. Curious to see how different regions stack up? Keep scrolling to find out.