Gov. Cox goes on national television to talk mental health, social media

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox went on national television Sunday morning to talk about social media, mental health and other topics, plus a look ahead to the 2024 presidential election among other things.

In an interview with CBS News, Cox is asked why a ban to protect children from dangerous things, such as social media, isn’t extended to firearms.

“I don’t think there’s a move to loosen gun access amongst kids,” Cox said. “And protecting kids. Certainly, there’s a second amendment issue in there.”

Utah governor on national television

Cox goes on to say to guns are the leading cause of death among children because of suicide.

“And I think that’s a really important conversation to have,” he said.

Cox is part of the National Governors Association, a bipartisan group of governors. The association is placing special focus on mental health. 

He says the association as well as the state is working on resolving what is behind the rise in anxiety and depression.

“And we happen to know that there are several drivers,” Cox said. “But social media is a huge piece to this.”

He says if you look at the gun numbers in the state, they’re being driven by mental health and suicide issues.

“What can we do, again, to make sure that our kids are in a better mental state?” Cox asked. 

Looking ahead to 2024

There are at least six current or former Republican governors who are running for president in 2024. Cox is asked if any of them can defeat former President Donald Trump.

“I hope so. I like governors,” he said. “(And) I think governors are great. I think they have real experience. The great thing about governors is we actually have to get stuff done, right?”

Read more:

• Mental health and social media, a Utah child psychologist weighs in
• 8 tips for parents and teens on social media use — from the US surgeon general

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