Latest news with #TennesseeLaw
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
Knox County school board approves all-day phone, watch and tablet restriction
The Knox County school board approved a restrictive policy on access to smart devices in schools, meaning students will only have access to phones, watches and tablets before and after school. The policy change follows a new Tennessee law restricting access for devices including smart phones, tablets, watches and more. Knox County Schools had a similar policy in place, but the board members agreed on an updated policy tightening use by students. The board approved the policy with six yes votes, two no votes and one pass during its July 10 meeting. Board members had options to allow students to access their devices at the lunch periods or between classes, but declined to approve those. Principals have the discretion to allow phones for work during class time, and students can carry them in backpacks or purses as long as they are kept out of reach. Students are allowed to use their phones during emergencies. The change applies in the new academic year in August. Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County school board approves all-day phone restriction
Fox News
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
TN Yanks Driving Privileges from Bullies
Teen bullying here in Tennessee now comes with a very inconvenient penalty. I'm Tomi Lahren, more next. In a noble effort to combat bullying and cyberbullying, a new law here in Tennessee states that any minor found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying in juvenile court will lose their driving privileges for one year. This was a bipartisan measure that lawmakers here in the volunteer state hope to see other states adopt. The law might seem a bit harsh but it does offer a second chance for first time offenders and has a carve out to allow teens to drive with restricted privileges to church, school and work. That does require sign off by a judge, however. It's a noble endeavor. Far too many young people suffer long term consequences from bullying and far too many even resort to taking their own life. I do think this law is going to be tough to enforce, though. One man's 'teasing' is another man's 'bullying' and the discretion here seems pretty broad. Even so, I hope parents will step up to the plate and fill the void. Manners, decency and godliness in the home would go a long way and probably be more effective than yanking driving privileges. I'm Tomi Lahren and you can watch my show 'Tomi Lahren is Fearless' at Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Telegraph
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
US teens caught bullying could lose driving licence under new law
Teenagers in the US state of Tennessee who are found guilty of bullying could have their driving licence revoked for a year under a new law. Lowell Russell, a Republican who sponsored the legislation in the Tennessee House of Representatives, said he got the idea from a parent whose son was being bullied but had not received support from his school. Mr Russell said he had also been affected by news reports recounting stories of bullying victims who had taken their own lives or committed violence on others. 'My hope is it will save lives and prevent people from getting hurt because when they're bullied in the k-to-12 [kindergarten to 12th] grades, that has long-term mental health effects,' he told The New York Times. The law allows judges to suspend the licence of anyone under 18 for one year if they are found to have committed bullying or cyberbullying. Some teenagers could be given restricted licences, allowing them to drive only to school, work and religious services. Supporters of the law hope it will deter young people from bullying. But critics question whether it will have a direct impact on children's behaviour. Susan Swearer, a director of the Bullying Research Network, said psychological interventions tended to be more effective than punishment. 'Certainly what we know from adolescent development is adolescents don't necessarily connect long-term consequences with their behaviour in the moment,' she said. Bill Lee, the governor of Tennessee, signed the Bill into law in April, expanding on an already existing measure that defined bullying and cyberbullying as distinct offences. Adam Lowe, a Republican, said the threat of suspending licences 'puts some teeth' to the previous law.
New York Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Teens Guilty of Bullying Could Lose Drivers' Licenses Under Tennessee Law
Teenagers in Tennessee who are found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying could have their drivers' licenses suspended for a year under a new state law that went into effect on Tuesday. Supporters hope the law will deter young people from bullying by letting them know they could lose a coveted privilege. But critics questioned whether it would actually make teenagers think twice about their behavior. 'Certainly what we know from adolescent development is adolescents don't necessarily connect long-term consequences with their behavior in the moment,' said Susan M. Swearer, chairwoman of the department of educational psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a director of the Bullying Research Network. Research shows psychological interventions are more effective than punishment at stopping bullying, she said. State Representative Lowell Russell, a Republican who sponsored the legislation in the Tenneseee House, said he got the idea from a constituent whose son was being bullied in school and who felt the school was not taking action to stop it. Mr. Russell said he was also disturbed by news reports of bullying victims growing up to commit acts of violence or dying by suicide. 'My hope is it will save lives and prevent people from getting hurt because when they're bullied in the K-to-12 grades, that has long-term mental health effects,' Mr. Russell said. Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, signed the bill into law in April after the Tennessee House passed it by a vote of 85 to 10 and the State Senate by a vote of 26 to 0. It expands on a measure that Tenneseee lawmakers passed last year that defined bullying and cyberbullying as distinct offenses under the state's laws against harassment. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Washington Post
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Lawsuit challenges Tennessee law against ‘harboring' undocumented people
Advocates filed a federal lawsuit to block a new Tennessee law that criminalizes harboring or providing shelter to undocumented immigrants days before the law takes effect. The Tennessee-based Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America filed the lawsuit Friday, joined by a Nashville landlord and a Mexican immigrant in the state. They allege that the law is unconstitutionally vague, oversteps federal authority to regulate immigration, and could place churches, landlords and immigrant communities in the state's crosshairs.
