"…The rebbes discussed fears surrounding smartphone technology and other technological devices brought into chareidi homes, which they believe present a spiritual hazard to the entire family. They spoke of the prohibition of using any model phone that is not approved as ‘kosher’ phone. They are calling on schools not to accept talmidim if the talmid’s parents use prohibited phones or have internet in their homes. The admorim call on school principals to enforce these regulations without exceptions.…"
The Council of Torah Sages of the Agudath Israel political party in Israel (the hasidic half of the United Torah Judaism Party that sits in the governing coalition) met Tuesday to discuss a number of "important" issues. Reportedly present were the rebbes of Gur, Vishnitz, Sanz, Boyan, Sadigura, Moditz and Biala. The three other council members were either ill or out of the country.
Yeshiva World reports:
…The rebbes discussed fears surrounding smartphone technology and other technological devices brought into chareidi homes, which they believe present a spiritual hazard to the entire family. They spoke of the prohibition of using any model phone that is not approved as ‘kosher’ phone. They are calling on schools not to accept talmidim [students] if the talmid’s [student's] parents use prohibited phones or have internet in their homes. The admorim [hasidic rebbe]call on school principals to enforce these regulations without exceptions. One may receive a heter after consulting with one’s rav if one’s requires internet connectivity to earn a livelihood. This of course refers to filtered internet only.
With smartphones becoming increasingly commonplace the rebbes have stepped up their objections to such devices, insisting phones were made for conversations and not content and using such a phone is prohibited. Persons who do not heed their word and use such a phone are to be distanced from mosdos [the organizations and schools the rebbes control]. The rabbonim [rabbis] also spoke about the growing reliance on the app WhatsApp and this too is forbidden in the strongest terms.