Instagrammer says learning about WWII could be bad for kids' mental health

A 22-year-old Instagram influencer has sparked an important debate about mental health by proclaiming that learning about World War II, the most destructive conflict in history, could be bad for children's mental health.

Freddie Bentley, who appeared on Channel 4's reality show The Circle, argued that kids might benefit more from learning about grown-up responsibilities and financial matters such as mortgages.

The argument was brought up as part of the segment, 'Do Millenials need to know about WWII' on the UK's Good Morning Britain. The topic was in turn inspired by the somewhat shocking revelation that some of the current contestants on the BBC's The Apprentice don't even know when it happened.

Take a look at a clip of the fascinating debate here:

"It was a hard situation, World War Two, I don't want anyone to think I'm being disrespectful," Freddie said. "I remember learning it as a child thinking 'Oh my God it's so intense.'"

"I don’t think it needs to be put to such young children," Freddie said. "For their mental health to be told that this amount of people died for you is a lot."

He continued: "I don't think encouraging death or telling people how many people died in the world war is going to make it better. There's so many problems going on in the world, like Brexit, that's not taught in schools. When I left school it hit me like a ton of bricks - I didn't know anything to do with life."

Credit: 1845

Former OFSTED Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw, who also appeared on the breakfast show, claimed that Freddie was "exaggerating" with his argument, to which Freddie responded: "I don’t think I am exaggerating.

Considering the bold argument, it shouldn't come as any surprise that plenty of viewers flocked to social media to give their two cents.

One person commented: "Who is this idiot on Good Morning Britain saying that the deaths WWII can cause mental health in people now?! Those soldiers gave their lives for your today..."

Another said: "Why are Good Morning Britain allowing these young 'men' who look barely old enough to shave criticise people like my dad who was a Royal Marine Commando in WW2 because talking about war upsets their mental health..."

A third added: "This fella on Good Morning Britain needs a good old slap, of course you need to learn about World War 2 you turnip."

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.