John Swinney has said he would consider putting a ban on social media for under-16s - a move that would follow in Australia's footsteps.
The first minister said the SNP was in talks with the UK government on how to better protect children from social media.
He said that there was a "strong argument" for an Australian-style ban, and that he would also consider such a move.
The SNP leader said: "The Scottish government will look at the measures that are necessary to tackle the effects, the negative effects, that came come from social media on young people."
He added: "It's vital that we are alert and aware of the potential threats that can exist, whilst acknowledging that there are many benefits of social media activity."
Mr Swinney's intervention came after Australia passed a sweeping social media ban for children under the age of 16 last month, in what will become a world-first law when it is introduced next year.
Australian organisations who fail to implement the new age requirements could face fines of up to £49.5million Australian dollars (£25million.)
The ban is aimed at safeguarding young people from the dangers posed online.
“There are many benefits of social media, but there are also some downsides, and we’ve got to make sure that children and young people are protected in this social media age," Mr Swinney added.
“So part of the dialogue we’re having with the United Kingdom Government is about how we can take the steps to better protect children and young people from the downsides of social media, whilst enabling them to experience the benefits and the strengths of social media and the connections and the opportunities that can arise as a consequence.”