The state of Tennessee has taken a bold step in the fight against bullying, as lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at curbing this behavior among young people. The facts, as we know them, are these.
Starting July 1, 2025, minors found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying in juvenile court will face a new penalty: the loss of their driving privileges for one year. This bipartisan measure passed with significant support in both chambers of the Tennessee legislature.
The law offers a provision for first-time offenders to apply for a restricted license, allowing them to drive to essential activities such as school, work, and religious services. However, this restricted license will not permit driving to social events or after-school activities.
The process for obtaining a restricted license involves several steps. Teens must apply within 10 days of the court’s decision, pay a fee, meet age requirements, pass driving tests, and obtain approval from a judge who will specify the exact parameters of their driving privileges.
This new measure builds upon Tennessee’s efforts from the previous year to combat bullying, which included creating clearer legal definitions of bullying and cyberbullying.
Representative Lowell Russell, who sponsored the bill, stated, “Taking away driving privileges will hopefully get the attention of bullies and deter them from being mean to others.” This raises important questions about the effectiveness of such penalties in changing behavior among young people.
Supporters, including a Nashville criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, praise the law as a necessary step to combat bullying. Critics may argue that it could disproportionately affect certain groups or create unintended consequences.
