Overview

• Filed to the September city council, the proposal covers smartphones, tablets and gaming devices and applies to leisure use by all residents without penalties.
• Guidance for minors sets evening cutoffs, advising elementary-age children to stop by 9 p.m. and those in middle school and under 18 by 10 p.m.
• The city says it based the two-hour benchmark on Health Ministry materials and framed the ordinance as a policy ideals measure rather than a legal restriction.
• By midday Aug. 25, city hall had received about 120 calls and emails, with most criticizing municipal intrusion into family decisions, though some supported curbing dependence.
• The draft faces committee review before a Sept. 22 vote; officials say revisions are possible, and local reporting notes it could take effect Oct. 1 if approved.