Eamonn Holmes encourages children to ‘get the first punch in’ when dealing with bullies

Eamonn Holmes has encouraged children to get the first punch in when it comes to dealing with bullies.

The GB News host and co-host Isabel Webster were discussing how victims should react to school bullying when the 63-year-old gave the advice.

The topic was in response to Bianca Austin, who is married to former footballer Charlie Austin, praising her daughter for punching a bully in the face.

Austin’s tweet, posted earlier this month and viewed over two million times.

It reads: "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."

Holmes shared his own experiences with bullying before wading into the divisive issue.

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’."

He explained: "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."

Webster shot back: "I think there’s a difference if your kid is being punched. I would say, ‘Punch back and stand up for yourself.’

"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.

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

Holmes, who appeared to agree with his colleague’s caveat, concluded: "But remember, if you are going to hit someone... Do it properly," Webster joked.

GB News Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on GB News.