A city in central Japan that previously attracted public attention for introducing a rule encouraging residents to limit their daily use of smartphones and game consoles to a maximum of two hours has seen about 5% of those aware of the rule reduce their screen time, according to a recent survey.
The city, located in the central region of Japan, conducted a survey among residents to assess the rule's impact. The results show that a small but notable portion of residents changed their screen habits after learning about the regulation.
The mayor expressed satisfaction with the figures, emphasizing that although the rule is not mandatory, it has contributed to raising awareness about the importance of managing digital device usage.
The regulation initially sparked debate amid concerns that children and teenagers were spending excessive time on electronic devices, affecting their health and academic performance. However, local officials have stressed that the rule is designed to encourage, not impose, healthier technology habits.