Albanese vows to ban children from social media platforms

Mr Albanese will on Tuesday announce his government, which has just put its $6.5 million age assurance technology trial out to tender, will introduce the legislation before the next election, due by May.

"Parents are worried sick about this," Mr Albanese said.

"We are taking this action because enough is enough."

Health experts and civil society groups have warned children's use of social media is linked with poor mental health, bullying, sleep deprivation, disinformation and exposure to graphic, violent material, including pornography.

The federal government's move aims to show national leadership and address parents' growing concerns on what MPs say is a major concern raised by voters at an electorate level.

South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas on Sunday announced he is considering a draft bill to ban children under 14 from social media platforms, after discussing the issue with his federal, state and territory counterparts at national cabinet on Friday.

This legislation was drafted by former High Court Justice Robert French, appointed by the state government to undertake a legal examination of the issue, as part of his report.

Commonwealth legislation to ban children from social media will be informed by engagement with national cabinet and draw on the bill drafted by Mr French.

Mr Albanese said parents were "working without a map" when trying to manage their children's use of social media platforms and that no generation had "faced this challenge before".

"Parents want their kids off their phones and on the footy field. So do I," he said.

"The safety and mental and physical health of our young people is paramount."

Mr Malinauskas likened the digital platforms to tobacco and alcohol, praising Mr Albanese for demonstrating "swift and decisive leadership".

"The evidence shows early access to addictive social media is causing our kids harm," he said.

"This is no different to cigarettes or alcohol. When a product or service hurts children, governments must act.

"We will work closely with the Commonwealth to implement this ban, which will be welcomed by parents across the country.

"As I've made clear, a national framework will work best to achieve this."

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said parents wanted to see "real solutions to what is a legitimate national concern about harmful online environments and addictive behaviour on social media for children".

"We expect platforms and online services do their share," Ms Rowland said.

"Because we want to make sure Australian kids can use the internet in an age-appropriate way that supports their learning and lives in a positive way."

The federal government began researching attitudes to age assurance technology in July and has been consulting parents, young people, academics and digital platforms ahead of forging ahead on these big tech changes.