Primary school bans ‘the Floss’ dance over link with violent video game Fortnite A primary school in Devon has banned a dance move called “the Floss” because it features in a violent video […]

A primary school in Devon has banned a dance move called “the Floss” because it features in a violent video game.

Ilfracombe Primary School in Devon said the game Fortnite “is about mass killing of other human beings” and that the dance could be used to “intimidate” other children.

“Flossing” involves moving both arms as if holding a giant strand of floss with your torso and hips as the tooth.

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Dance craze

The move became famous when YouTube hit Backpack Boy performed the move in singer Katy Perry’s music video for her song “Swish, Swish” last year.

Fortnite lets players perform the Floss to taunt opponents or celebrate their kills.

Both the dance move and the game are popular with a very young audience.

Violent game

But Ilfracombe headteacher Catherine Cox says Fortnite’s age restriction of 12 and over and its violence means it is not suitable for primary school pupils.

“We want our school to be one in which human beings treat each other with kindness and appreciation”, she said.

“Fortnite is for 12 years plus. Fortnite is about mass killing of other human beings and being awarded by a dance of celebration if you are successful.

“One of these dances is called the Nazi dance!”

Ms Cox continued: “Fortnite is extremely addictive and playing violent games is associated with real-life aggressive behaviour and mental health issues.

“Children in our school have been using these dances to surround and intimidate other children.”