Japanese city proposes two-hour daily limit for smartphone use
The Japan TimesSEP 2025
Japanese City Proposes 2-Hour Daily Smartphone Limit
Japanese City Proposes 2-Hour Daily Smartphone Limit
Above: A Japanese college student using the internet on a smart phone. Image credit: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
This ordinance addresses a real crisis affecting families across Japan. Kids are skipping school because they can't put down their phones, and adults are sacrificing sleep and family time for endless scrolling. The two-hour guideline provides much-needed structure.
Government overreach has no place in personal device choices. The proposal ignores how essential smartphones are for modern life — two hours barely covers basic communication, entertainment, or reading. Families can manage screen time without municipal interference.
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All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0