Tennessee Law Targets Teen Bullying by Suspending Driver’s Licenses

A new Tennessee law aims to combat bullying by targeting teenagers where it may hurt the most: revoking their ability to drive. The legislation, which took effect Tuesday, allows courts to suspend for up to a year the driver’s licenses of minors found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying. “I thought that the driver’s license piece would be pretty important to get their attention,” State Rep. Lowell Russell, who sponsored the bill, told CNN’s affiliate WVLT.

The measure, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, has been hailed by supporters as a step to address a pervasive problem. Meanwhile, some questions remain whether the law goes far enough to tackle the root causes of bullying. The law allows some flexibility for first-time offenders. Teens who lose their licenses may apply for a restricted one, allowing them to drive to everyday destinations such as school, work, or church.

Implementation and Process

However, the process involves several steps: teens must apply within 10 days of the court’s decision, pay a $20 application fee, meet age requirements, and pass necessary driving tests. They must then obtain judicial approval, which will specify exactly when and where they are permitted to drive.

“I think it’s great that the state is stepping up to try to do something about bullying,” Scott Payne, a manager for Contact Care Line, a Knoxville-based social services organization, told WVLT. Still, Payne urged the need to consider measures that go beyond penalties. “I would like to see, going forward, movement towards working with the bullies,” he said. “Bullies aren’t just born. They don’t just pop up. They’re products of their environment. So we need to be talking with them and finding out what’s going on in their lives that’s bringing about this type of behavior from them.”

Building on Previous Efforts

The new legislation builds on Tennessee’s previous efforts to combat bullying. In 2024, lawmakers clarified the state’s definitions of bullying and cyberbullying, aiming to prevent the violence and suicides often linked to these behaviors. “I certainly hope it’s a move that helps people seek help,” Payne said. “Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.”

This development follows a growing recognition of the severe impacts bullying can have on young individuals. According to a 2022 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bullying is a significant factor contributing to mental health issues among teenagers, including depression and anxiety, which can lead to tragic outcomes.

Expert Opinions and Future Implications

Experts in child psychology and education have weighed in on the potential effectiveness of the new law. Dr. Emily Hernandez, a child psychologist at Vanderbilt University, noted that while punitive measures can deter negative behavior, they must be part of a broader strategy that includes education and mental health support. “Punishments like these should be coupled with counseling and educational programs that address the underlying issues,” Hernandez stated.

Comparatively, other states have implemented various methods to address bullying. For instance, California has focused on restorative justice programs that aim to reconcile the bully and the victim, while New York has invested in extensive anti-bullying education campaigns within schools.

As Tennessee embarks on this new legislative path, the effectiveness of the law will likely be scrutinized closely. The move represents a significant shift in how the state addresses bullying, emphasizing accountability and consequences. However, the broader question remains: will this approach lead to a substantial reduction in bullying incidents?

Looking ahead, lawmakers and educators will need to assess the impact of the law and consider additional measures that address the root causes of bullying. As the conversation around bullying continues to evolve, Tennessee’s approach may serve as a model or a cautionary tale for other states considering similar measures.

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