A new initiative to limit the time residents spend using smartphones and laptops has been introduced in Toyoake city, Ai Prefecture, Japan. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This decision was proposed by the city mayor, Masafumi Koki, with the main goal of strengthening face-to-face communication among people and fostering healthy sleep habits. According to the recommendation, citizens should not use smartphones or tablets for more than two hours per day during their free time from work and study.
This restriction is not mandatory but aims to encourage self-regulation. The mayor emphasized that in recent years, spending long hours in front of screens has reduced communication among people.
He even noted that on trains, people spend time looking at their phones instead of interacting with each other. Experts believe that prolonged screen time reduces the production of the hormone melatonin, which negatively affects sleep quality and work performance.
Additionally, excessive engagement with social networks increases feelings of anxiety and isolation among individuals. The adopted document recommends that primary school students avoid using phones after 9:00 PM, and adults after 10:00 PM.
This decision was passed in the local council with 12 votes in favor and 7 against. The city residents had mixed reactions to this initiative: some considered it beneficial, while others found it practically challenging.
Mayor Masafumi Koki emphasized that the main purpose of this initiative is to bring the topic to public discussion and regarded it as a step towards social change. Experts suggest integrating this idea with educational programs and strengthening family communication.
Currently, Toyoake city is monitoring the results of this initiative. This experiment is seen as an important step in Japan towards maintaining a balance between digital life and interpersonal communication.
