Prince Harry thinks that Fortnite should be banned and that social media is “more addictive than alcohol and drugs,” according to the BBC.
Harry urged parents to protect their children from games like Fortnite as he was speaking about social media and video games to mental health experts.
“That game shouldn’t be allowed. Where is the benefit of having it in your household?” Harry asked while visiting a YMCA in London on Wednesday.
“It’s like waiting for the damage to be done and kids turning up on your doorsteps and families being broken down,” he added. “It’s created to addict, an addiction to keep you in front of a computer for as long as possible. It’s so irresponsible.”
Some people on social media are agreeing with Harry and saying that gaming does have negative impacts.
“I’m totally with Prince Harry on this—ban fortnite and look at wider impact of gaming and social media on health,” Twitter user @AGhalibK wrote.
Can someone who games help me to understand what the positive impact of gaming is on lives?
— Abdul Ghalib Khan (@AGhalibK) April 4, 2019
I’m totally with Prince Harry on this- ban fortnite and look at wider impact of gaming and social media on health. pic.twitter.com/W5NVWAvTW1
Others are making a joke of the Prince’s comments.
“Help me Prince Harry, I’m addicted to #Fortnite,” Twitter user and gamer @PHNXGames wrote.
Help me Prince Harry, I'm addicted to #Fortnite… 😂😂😂#PrinceHarry #Yikes pic.twitter.com/s1W0gqGefH
— phnx (@PHNXGames) April 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/Felix79581384/status/1113935180169928704
No Fortnite, no masters #PrinceHarry pic.twitter.com/8cPElSHwd7
— 💜 8BA ALI™ 💙 (@8BA_ALI) April 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/BBorchgardt/status/1113874072222433280
Prince Harry: f*ck fortnite
— Thotticus🍒 (@footpicdealer) April 4, 2019
Fortnite: RISE UP GAMERS AND THWART THE MONARCHICAL REGIME
Me: pic.twitter.com/pw3iMXrs2j
Some think Harry has a personal vendetta against the game.
“Prince Harry only wants to ban Fortnite because he knows he’ll never get a [Victory Royale],” Twitter user @grandaay joked.
Prince Harry only wants to ban Fortnite because he knows he'll never get a victory royal
— Dr Grandayy (@grandayy) April 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/iNabberTV/status/1113872542324985857
when u come second in fortnite https://t.co/S17qbvmG3O
— Memeulous (@Memeulous) April 4, 2019
The Duke of Sussex also bashed social media for being unhealthy.
“It’s more dangerous because it’s normalized and there are no restrictions to it. We are in a mind-altering time,” he said. “Without that human connection, when you do have a problem you have nowhere to go, the only place you might go is online and you will probably end up getting bullied.”
His comments come just two days after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined Instagram. The joint account broke the world record for the time it took to gain 1 million followers.
“Welcome to our official Instagram; we look forward to sharing the work that drives us, the causes we support, important announcements, and the opportunity to shine a light on key issues,” the couple wrote in their first post. “We thank you for your support, and welcome you to @sussexroyal.”
Interestingly, a man claims the royal couple took that Instagram handle without his permission. Kevin Keiley from Worthing, England, told the BBC his Instagram account was changed to @_sussexroyal_.
But it seems like Keiley is in good spirits. He tweeted, “I am still the only @sussexroyal on twitter.”
I am still the only @sussexroyal on twitter
— Kevin Keiley (@jklaak13) April 3, 2019
READ MORE:
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- Pokimane explains why she stopped doing Fortnite streams
H/T BBC