The Albanese government will ban kids under 16 years from using social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat.

The government had previously said it would introduce a minimum age for access, but had not yet settled on the number.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the move on Thursday in comments provided to the News Corp tabloid mastheads.

“I want Australian parents and families to know we’ve got their back,” he said, according to the Herald Sun.

“Social media is doing social harm to our young people, and I’m calling time on it”.