Cox announces plan to curb social media harms to youth and unveils Office of Families, foster-care goals

Governor Spencer J. Cox told the joint convention that worsening youth mental health is linked to social media and that Utah will not "wait for someone else" to act. He criticized social-media companies for being "reckless in protecting our youth" and said Utah parents are "putting you on notice."

Cox announced the administration is working on legislation "to prevent social media companies from collecting data from our kids, limit the use of cell phones in the classroom, and empower parents to reduce this toxic technology in our homes." He framed the measures as protections for children's mental health and said the state will pursue them in the coming session.

Cox also reported that the Office of Families is now operational, led by Amy Winder Newton, and outlined an initiative to support and recruit foster families with the goal of becoming "the first state in the nation to have no children waiting for a foster family." The governor offered no statutory citations, bill numbers, or implementation timelines in the address; legislative drafting and committee review will be necessary to produce enforceable rules or funding.