Author: Jamie Ensor

A British reality television star and Instagram influencer is facing criticism after suggesting the events of World War II shouldn't be taught at school as it may impact students' mental health.

Freddie Bentley, who competed on the British social media reality show The Circle, was on Good Morning Britain on Friday discussing the relevance of World War II. It comes after contestants on The Apprentice admitted they didn't know when the war began.

The social media influencer said he recognised the importance of World War II and why it should be acknowledged, but also believed students learning about it took away from learning about other current events, like Brexit and climate change.

"I don't think it is as educational. There are so many problems going on in the world at the moment, which is not taught in school. Climate change, which is a situation I think we should be aware of," he said.

"When I left school, it hit me like a tonne of bricks, because I didn't know anything in general life."

He went on to say there was often also an issue in how it was taught, concerned about how students' mental health could be impacted by talking about death. 

"Mentally, in their mental health, to be told that this certain amount of people died for you.

"Mental health is completely on the rise now. I don't think encouraging death and telling people how many people died in a world war is going to help someone in the future."

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Sir Michael Wilshaw, a former British chief inspectorate of schools, disagreed, however, saying on the show that millions died in the war, meaning it was important to remember them and educate future generations about their efforts.

Bentley has since received overwhelming criticism, with many online saying the war was essential to understand. 

"How can he remotely compare Brexit with a global conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 50 million people? He seriously needs to grow up," said one person.

"By knowing about these conflicts, the causes and consequences, it may help young people put their own anxieties in context," said another.

"I watched this live, what an embarrassment."

But others came to Bentley's defence. 

"For today's society to function, there should be a priority on teaching children about the responsibilities they are likely to have and the frameworks they'll need to meet them. He is not being self-entitled he is stating a fact."

Bentley said despite all the "bad tweets" he enjoyed himself on the television show. 

https://twitter.com/freddiebbentley/status/1190187899532255232

"Good or bad tweets I have walked out with a massive smile on my face! I'm buzzing to have been a guest on GMB & couldn’t be more proud of myself," he tweeted.

Bentley was the runner-up on The Circle, which involves contestants ranking each other based on their social media profiles.

Article: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2019/11/social-media-influencer-freddie-bentley-under-fire-for-saying-learning-about-world-war-ii-bad-for-mental-health.html
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