Eamonn Holmes divides with bullying advice telling kids 'get first punch in'

20 March 2023 , 12:47

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Eamonn Holmes divides with bullying advice telling kids 'get first punch in'

Eamonn Holmes has sparked a bullying debate by suggesting the best way to handle to the problem is to 'get the first punch in'.

The legendary broadcaster waded in after Bianca Austin, wife of former Premier League star Charlie Austin has provoked an intense debate on social media after praising her daughter for allegedly "punching bully in the face".

He told his GB News co-star Isabel Webster about when he was the victim as a child.

The 63-year-old told viewers he "learned through experience" and stated it is better to "get the punch in first" rather than to "give in" to bullies.

Eamonn weighed in on the issue and says ignoring it only makes things worse.

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Eamonn Holmes has entered the bullying debate (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

The broadcaster waded in after the subject caused debate last week (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

He said: "I have to say that I have learned through experience and through school and growing up in a very tough Belfast, it's better to punch , get the punch in first.

"You are doing your child no favour at all by saying 'Turn the other cheek' or 'Just give in.'

"This is because the bullying doesn't go away and I will say this to anyone, it's there in the workplace as well all the time.

"If someone knows you are not going to stand for it then you are less likely to get it."

Isabel waded in, saying: "I think there's a difference if your kid is being punched. I would say, 'Punch back and stand up for yourself.'

Bianca Austin sparked an intense debate on social media

"But I wouldn't say if there was a situation where they had been bullying you, that you should just go up to them and lamp them in the face.

"I wouldn't agree with that because that can get your child expelled and that would have consequences for your outcomes in life."

Eamonn told her: "But remember, if you are going to hit someone..."

She jumped in: "....do it properly."

The subject hit the headlines late last week as Bianca Austin said her 16-year-old daughter had been teased by one particular girl for weeks, and because the school hadn't done anything, she had taken action.

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Bianca, whose husband now plays League Two club Swindon Town, tweeted: "After weeks of being bullied by the same girl, numerous phone calls to the school and nothing changing, today when being called names my daughter finally punched the bully in the face. Proud mum."

Eamonn says in his experience, 'getting the first punch in' is important (Eamonn Holmes/Instagram)

The Tweet, which was posted on March 13, has since gone viral and has been seen by over 2million people.

The mum-of-three sparked intense debate amongst fellow social media users, with many also backing her daughter for standing up for herself.

One person commented: "We all have out breaking points and can only be pushed so far. Does she feel better now she's stood up for herself?"

Bianca replied saying: "No, but she's hoping the girl will leave her alone now."

Another said: "Good for her... Clearly the school wasn't doing anything about it for it still to be happening!"

A third added: "World needs more of this, a parent celebrating the fact their child is brave!! Well done to your daughter."

However, not everyone agreed that the mum should be encouraging her child's actions.

Sam Elliott-Gibbs