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Bullying could keep some teens off the road for a while thanks to a new state law
Bullying could keep some teens off the road for a while thanks to a new state law
Bullying could keep some teens off the road for a while thanks to a new state law

Published on: 06/30/2025

Description

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Starting Tuesday, bullying will have new consequences in the state of Tennessee.

On July 1, a new law will take effect requiring judges to suspend minors' driving privileges or their ability to get a driver license for one year if they're heard for bullying or cyberbullying. The move comes after lawmakers have tracked an increase in bullying and cyberbullying among teens, and now they're hoping this will make them think twice.

"I think this is a deterrent," Rep. Lowell Russel (R-Vonore), who sponsored the House version of the bill, said. "A lot of kids nowadays want to get their license once they get 16, and it's an incentive not to bully other people."

"It's not just looking at it as peer conflict, but actually looking at it as something that carries — has a much greater burden on a young person," CEO of Students Taking A Right Stand, an organization that provides students with resources to deal with mental health, Roger Dinwiddie said.

Dinwiddie told News 2 that while the highest rate of bullying occurs among middle schoolers, he's hopeful the law will bring new awareness to a growing problem.

"It could be a deterrent for some folks who really don't want to lose that sacred privilege of getting that license and driving," Dinwiddie said. "You've got to balance it out. It might work for some, and it may have no impact for others, but it is an attempt by the legislature to actually do something to address an issue."

Under the new law, judges may allow limited exceptions for driving to and from school, work, or church service.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/bullying-driving-law-takes-effect-july-1/

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