The Moetzas Gedolei Torah of Agudas Yisroel (in Eretz Yisroel) on Tuesday morning, 23 Iyar, released a kol korei in chareidi newspapers to warn the tzibur of the dangers of the smartphone.

The kol korei adds that even those who have an authorized or kosher smartphone, for parnasa or another authorized need, this is a ‘very b’dieved and the least of the evils at best’ and in no way removes the concerns associated with the young impressionable getting hold of one.

The admorim point out that even if one has it with a heter, one should ponder if one really requires a smartphone, and if so, usage must be limited to private places and not in front of others, family and friends. Rabbonim and gabboim of shuls are expected to confront mispallalim with such devices and to amend the shul regulations to include the prohibition. Educational institutions are also instructed not to accept students from homes in which parents use smartphones.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem / Photo Credit: HaMevaser)