Teenagers in Tennessee could face a one-year suspension of their driving licence if found guilty of bullying, under a new law aimed at curbing harmful behavior among youth.
The bill, sponsored by Republican lawmaker Lowell Russell, was inspired by a parent whose child was bullied without school intervention, and by troubling news reports of young bullying victims taking their own lives or harming others.
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“My hope is it will save lives and prevent people from getting hurt, because bullying during the K-12 years has long-term mental health effects,” Russell told The New York Times.
The law gives judges the authority to revoke the driving privileges of individuals under 18 who are convicted of bullying or cyberbullying. In some cases, teens may receive restricted licences, permitting them to drive only to school, work, or religious services.
Supporters argue the threat of losing driving privileges could deter bullying. However, critics remain skeptical about its effectiveness.
Susan Swearer, director of the Bullying Research Network, noted that psychological interventions often yield better results than punitive measures.
“Adolescents don’t always connect long-term consequences to their behavior in the moment,” she said.
Governor Bill Lee signed the bill into law in April, strengthening a previous law that classified bullying and cyberbullying as distinct offenses. Senator Adam Lowe, also a Republican, said the licence suspension adds real consequences: “It puts some teeth to the law.”
