A new law in Tennessee, effective as of Tuesday, introduced a tough new consequence for minors found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying: the suspension of their driver’s licenses for up to one year.
The legislation, spearheaded by State Representative Lowell Russell, aims to address the long-lasting mental health consequences and social damage often caused by bullying.
“Bullying can cause long-term harm that results in mental health problems later in life. Most acts of violence and suicides are noted as the result of being bullied. I simply got tired of nothing being done to stop bullying,” Russell stated in remarks to CNN.
Passed with strong bipartisan support, the law has been praised by advocates as a meaningful step to curb a persistent issue among teenagers.
Under the new law, Tennessee courts can notify the Department of Safety to either prevent a driver’s license from being issued to a minor convicted of bullying or suspend an existing license. If a teen is caught driving on a suspended license, additional penalties will apply.
However, the law offers limited flexibility for first-time offenders. Teens whose licenses are suspended may apply for a restricted license that permits them to drive only to essential locations like school, work, or religious services.
To do so, they must apply within 10 days of the court decision, pay a $20 application fee, meet age and testing requirements, and obtain a judge’s written approval outlining specific conditions for driving.
“This sends a strong message,” said Scott Payne, a manager with Contact Care Line, a social services organization in Knoxville. Speaking to CNN affiliate WVLT, Payne expressed support for the new approach but stressed the importance of proactive intervention as well. “I would like to see, going forward, movement towards working with the bullies,” he said. “Bullies aren’t just born. They’re products of their environment. So, we need to be talking with them and finding out what’s going on in their lives.”
The law builds on Tennessee’s broader legislative efforts to combat bullying, including a 2024 initiative that redefined bullying and cyberbullying to better capture harmful behaviors and prevent the tragic outcomes that often follow, such as school violence and suicide.
Payne concluded with a hopeful message: “I certainly hope it’s a move that helps people seek help. Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.”
