Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to announce new restrictions on children’s access to social media as part of a wider government push to strengthen online safety protections.

Ministers have been considering a range of options, including a potential ban on social media use for under-16s, similar to measures introduced in Australia, as well as restrictions targeting specific platforms or features considered most harmful to young people.

The plans follow a government consultation launched in March amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, exposure to harmful content, online exploitation and excessive screen time.

The Prime Minister, who had previously been cautious about introducing restrictions, has pledged to take “decisive” action following the consultation, with details of the proposed measures expected to be announced in the coming days