Technology

Japanese city implements two-hour daily recreational smartphone usage limit — ordinance comes into effect from October 1, no enforcement or penalties proposed

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Sep 22, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

Toyoaki City in Japan has passed an ordinance limiting recreational smartphone usage to two hours per day, effective from October 1, with no enforcement or penalties. The aim is to address potential negative impacts on health and child development from excessive screen time. While some council members argued against the rule, the majority believes it will help prevent device addiction and encourage citizens to reconsider their smartphone habits. The ordinance also includes guidance for school-age children to limit device use before bedtime.

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Smartphones and being present

The article discusses the issue of smartphone usage and its impact on being present in daily life. It highlights statistics showing the significant amount of time people spend on their phones, emphasizing the need to reduce distractions and focus on meaningful activities. The author shares personal strategies for managing digital consumption, such as turning off notifications and limiting time spent on entertainment apps like YouTube. By making their phone less interesting and removing recommendation media, the author has found a more positive and intentional relationship with technology, leading to a more present and optimistic outlook. The article encourages readers to consider their own smartphone habits and make changes to prioritize real-life experiences over screen time.

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