UK Prime Minister is set to announced a ban on “harmful” online platforms for under 16s while access to some “safer” forms of social media will be maintained, according to reports.

The PM is slated to make a speech later on Monday which will reveal the government’s next move on social media following the closing of social media ban consultation.

Government ministers also met with bereaved parents and advocacy groups, and considered evidence following Australia’s under 16s ban.

According to reports from Reuters, a Downing Street source said: “The prime minister is not afraid about taking on the tech companies and their bosses to protect young people.”

It remains unclear what the new social media policy will look like, or when it will be officially announced. However, it seems likely Starmer will make the announcement prior to 18 June, when a by-election is Makerfield is set.

An outright or formal ban on social media for under-16s is unlikely to come today, a source close to the matter told Reuters. However, the government may make more immediate moves on actions to prevent children falling prey to sextortion attempts or to creating sexualised images online.

The UK’s social media ban consultation, which focused on the mental health and wellbeing effects of social media on teens, closed on 26 May, and is pending an official review from the government.

It asked the public for their opinions on social media curbs like time limits and curfews for teens, as well as how they felt about some of social media’s more addictive aspects.

The PM is set to discuss how the UK government can ensure tech has a positive impact on society, according to his office.

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While countries like Australia and Greece have introduced bans to deal with the scourge of social media harms affecting young people, other European countries may soon fall suite, with France, Poland, and Denmark all considering bans.

It remains unclear what the UK government has learned from the social media consultation, and if the country, which continues to try and curry favour with big tech for major AI deals, will put its foot down when it comes to teen access.