Warm Up
Do you use your phone a lot?
How many hours of TV do you watch each week?
Do you watch Youtube?
Reading
Japanese Prefecture Limits Kids' Screen Time by Law
The government of Kagawa, Japan's smallest prefecture, has passed a new law that limits the amount of time children under the age of 18 can spend playing video games and use their smartphones. Under the new rules, children can only play video games for 60 minutes on school days, and for 90 minutes on weekends and holidays. Kids in junior high school and younger must turn off their smartphones by 9 p.m.
The law says that children spending too much time on the internet and playing games was causing them to do worse in school, be less fit and have bad eyesight. It also said use of games and the internet was increasing the number of hikikomori; or people who have become isolated from society for more than a year.
The law passed with 22 voting for it, 10 voting against it, and 8 not voting. Those who didn't vote for the law said that not enough time was spent discussing it, with one saying they didn't support it because it was "an intervention" into private homes. The government has no way of knowing if the rules are being followed, and cannot punish those who don't follow them. However, they are asking parents to make sure their children follow the rules as the law comes into effect on April 1. The politician who proposed the law has said that it's just a guideline, and that people can choose whether or not to follow it.
Reading Comprehension
When will junior high school students have to turn off their phones at night, under Kagawa's new law?
How will the government make sure that the rules are being followed?
How many people voted against the law?
Discussion Questions
What are your thoughts on Kagawa's new law?
Do you think that most people in Kagawa will choose to follow the law? Why? Why not?
If you were a parent, would you limit the amount of time your children spend playing video games? Please explain your answer.
At what age do you think children should be allowed to start using the internet? Why?
Do you try to limit the amount of time you spend on your devices? Please explain your answer.
Did you spend a lot of time playing video games when you were a kid? Please explain your answer.
What were your favorite activities when you were a kid? Who did you like to do them with?
What electronic device would you find most difficult to go without for a week? Why?
Why do you think smartphones are so addictive?
Video games and computers have become babysitters for kids. – Taylor Kitsch. Do you agree? Why? Why not?
