Rav Chaim Kanievsky said today that all children over the age of five should be given a smartphone and begin using the Internet. The statement came during a meeting at 23 Rechov Rashbam, Rav Chaim's home in Bnei Brak, with senior education officials and doctors, who told Rav Chaim that this will increase their Torah study.

Rav Chaim was also informed that the US Department of Education approved bringing the Internet into every classroom from the age of five.

At the meeting were the heads of Israel's Education Ministry, leading experts from phone and Internet companies, and Dr. Mushlam Hart, Rav Chaim’s personal physician.

The experts presented info to Rav Chaim regarding the Internet usage of millions of children in the United States and research on the effects on their learning. “The educational benefits and advantages to children with Internet and smartphones significantly outweigh risks and side-effects,” they told Rav Chaim.

Rav Chaim, who said little during the meeting, responded that children over five should be given smartphones and Internet access, and gave a blessing to those who follow his instructions.

There is a video of Rav Chaim's grandson screaming the question into his ear until Rav Chaim says “Yes”, while the experts look on. We know the rest because that's what they told us happened. This is a definitive halachic ruling, the matter is closed, and anyone who has a problem with it is a sheigitz.

This story was first reported by Kikar HaSheker, then it was picked up by Vos Isn't Neias, Arutz Sheker, The Jerusalem Compost, the Slimes of Israel, and others who played the telephone game. It is now established fact, and if you don't believe it, you're crazy and have no respect for the Torah.