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."
