India, Sept. 2 -- A town in Japan has proposed a new rule asking residents to limit smartphone use to two hours a day. The proposal, announced by officials in Toyoake, Aichi prefecture, aims to tackle online addiction and problems caused by too much screen time.

Mayor Masafumi Koki said the proposal seeks "to prevent excessive use of devices causing physical and mental health issues, including sleep problems.", The Guardian reported.

The draft proposal, said to be the first in Japan to apply to an entire community, is under discussion in the municipal assembly and may come into effect in October if passed.

Under the guidelines, the measure would affect people of all ages, not just children. Primary school students and younger children ...