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Toyoake Submits First Citywide Smartphone Use Guideline, Capping Leisure at Two Hours a Day

The non-punitive measure moves into committee review ahead of a Sept. 22 council vote.

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Overview

  • The proposal applies to all residents and sets evening cutoffs for minors, with use ending by 9 p.m. for elementary pupils and 10 p.m. for those up to 18.
  • City officials characterize it as a declaratory guideline without penalties, drawing on health ministry materials to justify the two-hour benchmark.
  • The stated aims include protecting sleep, preserving family communication, and addressing school non-attendance linked to device dependence.
  • By midday on Aug. 25 the city had received about 120 phone and email comments, most criticizing municipal intrusion into private family time.
  • The mayor said he may revise the text after council debate; a final vote is slated for Sept. 22 and, if approved, implementation would begin Oct. 1.