Eamonn Holmes has spoken openly about being bullied at school as he weighed how children should respond to such incidents on Monday.
The 63-year-old presenter told GB News viewers that he had “learned through experience” that it was better “to get the punch first”.
His comments come after Bianca Austin, who is married to former Southampton striker Charlie Austin, took to the internet after she praised her teenage daughter for hitting another student who gave their names.
Speaking to his co-host Isabel Webster, Eamonn said: “I have to say I’ve learned through experience and through school and growing up in a very tough Belfast that it’s better to hit… Get the hit first .
“You’re not doing your child any favors by saying, ‘Turn the other cheek’ or ‘Just give in.’
Speaking up: Eamonn Holmes opened up about being bullied as he weighed up how children should respond to bullying at school on Monday
Experience: The 63-year-old presenter told viewers on GB News that he had ‘learned through experience’ that it was better to ‘get the punch first’
“That’s because the bullying doesn’t go away and I’ll tell everyone that, it’s there all the time in the workplace too.
“If someone knows you won’t take it, they’re less likely to get it.”
Isabel chimed in to disagree, saying: “I think there is a difference if your child gets hit. I would say, ‘Fight back and stand up for yourself.’
“But I wouldn’t say if there was a situation where they bullied you that you should just go up to them and shine a light in their face.
“I would not agree to that because it could result in your child being deported and that would have consequences for your life outcomes.”
Eamonn agreed, but added: “Remember if you hit someone…”
Isabel finished: ‘Do it right.’
It comes after a heartbroken Eamonn paid tribute to his beloved mother Josie as he prepared to spend his first Mother’s Day without her.
On Saturday, the wife of a top footballer sparked debate over the use of force to retaliate against child bullies after she praised her teenage daughter for slapping one in the face.
Support: His comments come after Bianca Austin, who is married to former Southampton striker Charlie Austin, took to the internet after praising her teenage daughter for hitting 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 calls to the school and nothing changed, today my daughter finally slapped the bully in the face when she was being verbally abused. Proud mom.”
Her post, seen by 1.9million users of the social media site, had two clapping emojis to support her daughter who is studying for GCSEs.
The inclusion of mother-of-three Ms Austin sparked much debate among her 11,000 followers, with many supporting her belligerence.
One wrote back: “Good on her she did exactly what needed to be done. Shame on the school for not clearing up the bullying when you first called them.
Another said: “I’m a pacifist in general but the best advice I’ve ever been given is don’t let bullies get away with it.
“Ignoring didn’t work; Ignoring a fire doesn’t put it out. If you’re being bullied, fight. If you see someone being bullied, fight for them.”
But Ms Austin, who is training to be a nurse, has been criticized by others. One said: “Your daughter should never hit anyone. I understand that bullying is terrible and harmful, but when I said your daughter’s actions would make things worse, now you can see where I was going. Bullying someone “back” by hitting them is also bullying.”
“If someone knows you’re not going to take it, you’re less likely to understand,” Eamonn explained in supporting Bianca’s story from the weekend
Ms Austin replied: “I would be interested to hear how you would propose a solution to the bullying Michelle.
“The school couldn’t stop it, it was destroying her sanity and hampering her GCSE studies, what is the right course of action here?! She also didn’t “bully” back.
“Bullying is repeated behavior designed to hurt someone emotionally and physically. She has no malicious intentions, all she wants is to be left alone and enjoy school in peace!’
Ms Austin, whose husband, 33, was in the England squad but now plays for League Two Swindon, also shared details of how her daughter was allegedly punished more severely than the girl who bullied her.
Thoughts: Isabel raised concerns about child expulsion when Eamonn agreed, but added: “Remember if you hit someone…” Isabel finished: “Do it right.”
She shared how she called the school to find out what punishment her daughter’s rival had received.
She wrote: “********* is currently in expulsion while the other child is in class. I asked what sanction they [the bully] received and was told she was only verbally abusive, but the sanctions of other students are not to be discussed with me, so who knows.’
Ms Austin later opened up about the bully’s punishment while taking a swipe at the school, writing: “Two days expulsion for my daughter while the other child went to class because she was ‘only’ verbally abused. No wonder school bullying never stops… Cheer up *********.’
The National Bullying Helpline says if parents and carers feel teachers are not taking satisfactory action, they should contact their local authority to remind them that they have a “legal duty” to ensure that they are all children in schools are safe at all times.