Eamonn Holmes opens up about being bullied as he encourages children to 'get ... trends now

Eamonn Holmes has opened up about being bullied in school as he weighed in on 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's better to 'get the punch in 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 calling her names. 

Speaking to his co-host Isabel Webster Eamonn 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 cut in to say disagree, saying: '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.

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

Eamonn agreed with this but added: 'Remember, if you are going to hit someone...'

Isabel finished: 'Do it properly.' 

It comes after a heartbroken Eamonn paid tribute to his beloved mum Josie as he prepared to spend his first Mother's Day without her. 

On Saturday, the wife of a top footballer ignited a debate over using violence to retaliate against child bullies after praising her teenage daughter for punching one in the face.