In this new legislation, teenage harassers face consequences as authorities restrict their driving privileges.
In a significant move to combat bullying, Tennessee has enacted a new law that will take effect on July 1, 2025. This legislation aims to deter bullying among teenagers by suspending their driving privileges for up to a year if they are found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying in juvenile court [1][2].
The new law, spearheaded by East Tennessee State Rep. Lowell Russell, targets a privilege highly valued by teenagers – their ability to drive. However, the law includes exceptions for obtaining a restricted driver's license that allows the teen to drive for essential activities such as traveling to and from school, going to and from work, and attending church services [1][2].
To qualify for this restricted license, first-time offenders must apply within 10 days of the court ruling, pay a $20 application fee, meet age requirements, pass all driving tests, and obtain approval from a judge, who specifies when and where the teen can drive. It's important to note that this restricted license does not permit driving to social events or after-school activities [1][2].
Scott Payne, from Contact Care Line, supports the law but hopes it will lead to addressing the root causes of bullying. Payne believes that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness, and hopes the law will encourage both bullied students and bullies to seek support [1][2].
This legislation builds on Tennessee's previous efforts to combat bullying, including legally defining bullying and cyberbullying more clearly, aiming to prevent violence and promote mental health among young people [1][2]. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one in five high school students is bullied on school property, while one in six students is bullied electronically [1][2].
As the law takes effect, it allows for the suspension of driving privileges or license denial for teenage bullies. The suspension period can last up to a full year. Russell suggests allowing a restricted license holder to drive to counseling sessions as a potential next step [1][2].
This article is copyrighted by WVLT and WSMV via Gray Local Media, Inc. in the year 2025.
[1] WVLT News, "Tennessee Passes New Law to Combat Bullying," 2025. [2] WSMV News, "New Tennessee Law Targets Bullying with Driving Privileges Suspension," 2025.
The new Tennessee law, focused on education-and-self-development and personal-growth, seeks to deter bullying among teenagers by suspending their driving privileges. This legal step also aims to encourage both the bullied students and bullies to seek support, promoting a culture of help-seeking as a sign of strength.
