'Time runs away': Japan's city with a two-hour cap on phone use

In Toyoake, Japan, a new initiative limits smartphone use to two hours daily, aiming to promote healthier screen habits among residents who may be struggling with excessive device usage.

• Mayor Masafumi Kouki of Toyoake introduced a two-hour daily cap on smartphone use to address concerns about the negative effects of excessive smartphone usage on residents health.
• The initiative encourages residents to reduce their reliance on smartphones while fostering healthier relationships with technology, including tablet computers and laptops.
• While police will not enforce the limit, this voluntary measure signifies a growing awareness in Japan about the impact of screen time on mental well-being.