Australia’s social media ban must act as warning to the maritime industry to ensure crews’ access to social media platforms are compatible with the demands placed on them while at sea, says social media platform The Hood.

In December, Australia’s decision to restrict access to social media platforms for under-16s reflected growing concern about how mainstream platforms are influencing behaviour. This drastic move has now seen other countries consider their own social media policies for children under the age of 16.

Josephine Le, founder of maritime social media platform The Hood, said: “What Australia has done is acknowledge that platform design shapes behaviour in ways that are neither neutral nor harmless, and that acknowledgement matters in an industry where human performance, rest, focus, and judgement are central to safe operations.

“The legislation does not prevent communication or isolate young people from parents and relatives. Messaging apps, email, and voice or video services remain available. Instead, it targets a specific category of platforms built around open feeds, algorithmic amplification, and engagement models that reward attention above all else, a distinction that carries real weight in safety-critical environments.”

In contrast to social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok which encourages doom scrolling with videos under one minute, The Hood avoids algorithms and advertisements and encourages verified, moderated, intentional interactions suited to life at sea.

“Typical platforms aren’t designed with seafarers in mind,” Ms Le added. “Seafarers need rest and recovery more than most people, and when they only get brief access to their phones, sudden bursts of notifications and feeds make it even harder to switch off and stay focused.”

Life at sea can be lonely and demanding. Crews have long schedules, with work and maintenance taking up most of the day, leaving only short breaks for personal time. Access to the internet is often limited, which can make it difficult to handle personal matters, communicate with family, or take a mental break from work life.

Typical platforms are not built with these unique conditions in mind. Platforms shaped for those at sea enable crews to connect with their loved ones, peers, support, and resources when they can, and use this in a way that supports their wellbeing and focus.

“Safety at sea isn’t about cutting crews off from digital platforms, but making them work in a way that is beneficial,” added Ms Le.