A draft ordinance designed to curb internet and video game addiction among children and teenagers in Kagawa Prefecture has sparked controversy, as it seeks to restrict daily smartphone usage for those under 18 to 60 minutes on weekdays.
If it comes into effect in April as scheduled, it will be the first ordinance in Japan aimed at preventing such addictions, the prefecture said.
The proposal, which was disclosed last week during a panel meeting, sets a 60-minute limit on daily smartphone use on weekdays and 90 minutes on weekends and holidays. It also introduces smartphone curfews after 9 p.m. for junior high school students and those who are younger, and after 10 p.m. for high school students. No penalties are set for offenders.