Why this city introduced two-hour daily screen time cap | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMaroosha MuzaffarTuesday 23 September 2025 09:40 BSTHarriet Harman urges Starmer to ban smartphones in schoolsToyoake, a city in Japan, has approved a non-binding ordinance urging residents to limit daily smartphone and gaming console use to two hours outside of work and school.Effective from 1 October, the measure is the first of its kind in Japan and aims to address concerns about excessive screen exposure leading to sleep deficits and reduced family interaction.The ordinance advises elementary school children to cease smartphone use by 9pm and junior high students by 10pm, emphasising sufficient rest for under-18s' physical and psychological development.It also encourages parents to establish clear rules for device usage at home and will set up a system for guidance and advice on managing screen time.The city's initiative follows various studies linking excessive mobile phone use to mental health disorders, with recent research suggesting reduced usage can boost well-being.In fullJapanese city passes order to limit daily screen time to 2 hours a day outside of workThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in