INTERNET BAN: Betar Illit Beis Din Bans Talmidim from Internet Homes

Last week, the batei din of Betar Illit reached a decision that will undoubtedly have ramifications in other chareidi areas of the country. The beis din decided that parents who are connected to the Internet in their homes have given up the right to have their children enter the city’s educational network. This will compel all of the mosdos in Betar Illit to make Internet-disconnect a precondition to the acceptance of children in the school system.
Betar is waging an all-out war against the Internet, and according to a report appearing in the Belz-affiliated BaKehilla, the move enjoys the total support of Maran Elyashiv Shlita and Maran Shteinman Shlita. The two gedolim have signed the p’sak, along with the leading admorim in Betar. One of the leaders of the move is HaGaon HaRav Tzvi Braverman, a member of the city’s badatz.
When asked if the beis din’s decision may be one that the tzibur cannot adhere to, referring to those with an Internet connection to earn a livelihood, the rav responded with another question, why it is acceptable to shun students if parents have a televisio
In conclusion, the rav calls for adherence and for those absolutely requiring internet, they should immediately opt for the restricted services that at least minimize the dangers.n, pointing out the Internet is infinitely more dangerous than television.