Tennessee suspends driving licenses for teenage bullies

In Tennessee, a new law was initiated on July 1, 2025, aimed at reducing bullying among teenagers by revoking their driving privileges. Under this legislation, a minor found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying in juvenile court may have their driver's license suspended for up to one year, or they can lose their ability to obtain a learner's permit altogether. This law was introduced partly in response to the alarming consequences bullying can have on young people's mental health and well-being. By taking away driving privileges, lawmakers hope to deter this behavior and emphasize the seriousness of the issue. The legislation provides some relief for first-time offenders, who can apply for a restricted license within ten days of a court ruling. This restricted license allows them to drive only to school, work, or religious services, but not to social events or after-school activities. To secure this restricted license, teens must meet specific criteria, including paying an application fee and gaining judicial approval. Supporters of the law argue that this measure could have a profound effect on reducing bullying incidents by making the consequences of such behavior more immediate and pertinent to teenagers. The law also highlights a broader effort within the Tennessee legislature to address the issue of bullying. Previous legislative sessions focused on clarifying the legal definitions of bullying and cyberbullying, in hopes of creating a more comprehensive strategy to prevent not only bullying in schools but to also decrease the associated mental health issues and risks of violence. Many advocates believe that removing driving privileges can serve as a strong deterrent, thereby encouraging teenagers to reconsider their actions towards others. Despite the law's well-intentioned goal, skepticism remains regarding its overall effectiveness. Critics argue that merely suspending driving privileges may not adequately address the roots of bullying behavior. They emphasize the importance of providing mental health support and educational programs to work with both victims and perpetrators of bullying. Moreover, some have voiced concerns that without addressing underlying causes of why teens bully, the law might not result in significant changes in behavior. As Tennessee moves forward with this new measure, many hope it will represent a positive step towards reducing bullying within the state, while recognizing that comprehensive solutions will be necessary for lasting change.