West Australian Premier Mark McGowan is a regular on social media, using Facebook posts with his three children to cultivate a "family man" image.
But his children probably will not be seeing much of what their dad — or his political advisors — post to his accounts on those platforms.
"With my three children, we don't allow them access to social media," Mr McGowan said.
It is a policy Mr McGowan is hoping more West Australian parents will adopt, warning that the number of children facing mental health issues through social media continues to grow.
"My judgment is that it is better for the children not to access it, particularly at a young age," he said.
"We have seen some terrible examples of what it has done to children around the country recently and I know all parents wouldn't want that to happen to their children."
Mr McGowan's comments come as his Government confirmed plans to free up some teachers to help to co-ordinate mental health programs for students.
"An increasing issue confronting teachers, and really getting in the way of being able to do their job properly, is the increasing appearance of anxiety and mental health issues in schools," Education Minister Sue Ellery said.
But, according to one expert, any parent hoping to ban their children from social media will face significant practical difficulties.
"It is very much an embedded part of our society," said Sharyn Burns, from Curtin University's School of Public Health.
"But I think parents should be aware of what can happen on social media and make sure they discuss with their children appropriate use of social media."
Mr McGowan's comments drew rare praise from Opposition Leader Mike Nahan, saying he monitored his children's use of social media when they were younger.
"That is the way to do it," Dr Nahan said.
