Eamonn Holmes opens up about being bullied as he encourages children to ‘get the punch in first’

Eamonn Holmes spoke about being bullied at school while discussing how children should react to such incidents on Monday.

The 63-year-old presenter told viewers on GB News that he had “learned through experience” that it is better to “hit first”.

His comments come after Bianca Austin, who is married to former Southampton striker Charlie Austin, divided the internet after she praised her teenage daughter for punching another student who had been insulting her.

Speaking to his co-host, Isabel Webster Eamonn, he said: “I have to say I’ve learned through experience and school and growing up in very tough Belfast, it’s better to hit… Hit first.”

You’re not doing your child a favor by saying, “Turn the other cheek” or “Just give up.”

Experience: The 63-year-old presenter told viewers on GB News that he had “learned through experience” that it is better to “hit first”

‘This is because bullying doesn’t go away and I’ll tell anyone, it’s also present in the workplace all the time.

“If someone knows you’re not going to put up with it, you’re less likely to get it.”

Isabel interrupted to disagree, saying, “I think it makes a difference if your son gets punched.” I would say, ‘hit and defend’.

“But I wouldn’t say that if there was a situation where they had been bullying you, you should go up to them and punch them in the face.”

“I wouldn’t agree to that because that could get your child expelled and that would have consequences for their outcomes in life.”

Eamonn agreed with this, but added, “Remember, if you’re going to hit someone…”

Isabel finished off: ‘Do it well’.

It comes after a heartbroken Eamonn paid tribute to his loving mother Josie as he prepared to spend his first Mother’s Day without her.

On Saturday, the wife of a prominent soccer player sparked a debate about using violence to retaliate against child bullies after praising her teenage daughter for punching one in the face.

Support: His comments come after Bianca Austin, who is married to former Southampton striker Charlie Austin, split the internet after he praised her teenage daughter for beating up a bully (Charlie and Bianca pictured)

Austin in action for Queens Park Rangers against Reading in the EFL Sky bet championship

Ms Austin, 35, tweeted: “After numerous phone calls to the school and nothing changed, today when being insulted my daughter finally punched the bully in the face.” proud mom.

His post, seen by 1.9 million users of the social networking site, had two clapping emojis to support his daughter, who is studying for GCSEs.

The admission by Ms. Austin, a mother of three, sparked much debate among her 11,000 supporters, with many backing her belligerence.

One responded: ‘Good for her, she did exactly what needed to be done. Shame on the school though for not fixing the bullying problem when you first called them.’

Another said: “I’m usually a pacifist, but the best advice I got was don’t let the bullies get away with it.”

Ignoring it didn’t work; ignoring a fire does not put it out. If you are intimidated, fight back. If you see someone being harassed, fight for them.

But Ms Austin, who is training to be a nurse, was criticized by others. One said: ‘Your daughter shouldn’t be hitting anyone, ever.’ I understand that bullying is horrible and harmful, but when I said that her daughter’s actions would make things worse, she can now see where she was going. Bullying someone into “hitting back” is also bullying.’

Ms Austin responded: ‘I would be interested to know how you would suggest a resolution to the bullying, Michelle.

‘The school couldn’t stop him, it was ruining his mental health and affecting his GCSE studies, what is the right course of action here? Also, she didn’t “bully” back.

‘Bullying is repeated behavior intended to hurt someone emotionally and physically. She has no bad intentions, all she wants is to be left alone to enjoy school quietly!’

Ms Austin, whose husband, 33, has been in the England team but now plays for League Two Swindon, also shared details of how her daughter was allegedly punished more severely than the girl who was harassing her.

“If someone knows you’re not going to put up with it, then you’re less likely to get it,” Eamonn explained as he backed up Bianca’s story from the weekend.

He told how he called the school to find out what punishment was given to his daughter’s rival.

She wrote: ‘********* is on exclusion right now while the other kid is in class. I asked her what sanction she [the bully] I would receive and was told I was just verbally abusive, but she’s not allowed to discuss other students’ sanctions with me, so who knows.’

Later, Ms Austin shared more about the bully’s punishment, as she criticized the school, writing: ‘Two days of exclusion from school for my daughter, while the other boy went to class because he was “only” verbally abusive. . No wonder bullying never stops in schools… head up *********.’

The National Bullying Helpline says that if parents and carers do not believe teachers are taking satisfactory action, they should contact their local authority to remind them that they have a “legal duty” to ensure that all children in schools are safe at all times.