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In Tennessee, a new law targets teen bullying by revoking driving privileges. Starting July 1, minors found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying could lose their driver's license for a year. The measure, sponsored by State Representative Lowell Russell, aims to deter bullying by impacting teens where it hurts—on the road.
The law was passed with strong bipartisan support in Tennessee's House and Senate. It defines bullying clearly, allowing authorities to take action in juvenile court. First-time offenders may apply for a restricted license within 10 days of conviction. This restricted license permits driving to essential activities like school and religious services but not to social events or extracurricular activities.
While the law has been praised for its innovative approach, some critics argue it may not address the root causes of bullying. Scott Payne, a manager at a Knoxville social services organization, suggests working with bullies to understand the environmental factors contributing to their behavior.
“I think it’s great that the state is stepping up to try to do something about bullying,” Payne told WVLT. “I would like to see, going forward, movement towards working with the bullies. You know, 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.”