Recent updates to Instagram have brought renewed attention to how we balance privacy and safety online. In May 2026, Instagram removed its optional end‑to‑end encryption feature for direct messages. This means that while messages are still protected, they are no longer fully private between just the sender and recipient in the way they previously could be.
The change reflects a wider shift across the digital world, where platforms are under increasing pressure to identify and respond to harmful content. Supporters of the move highlight the benefits for detecting and preventing issues such as exploitation and abuse, while others have raised concerns about the impact on personal privacy.
At The Friary, we recognise that developments like this can feel complex and, at times, concerning for families. While it is not a school’s role to oversee how social media platforms operate, we are committed to helping our community understand these changes and feel confident in making safe, informed choices online.
As part of our ongoing commitment to online safety, we encourage open conversations at home about how young people communicate online and the importance of thinking carefully about what is shared.
Supporting Your Child to Stay Private Online
- Remind children that messages on social media should not be assumed to be fully private
- Encourage them to avoid sharing sensitive or personal information in chats
- Support them in using trusted apps appropriately for different types of communication
- Check that accounts have strong passwords and two‑factor authentication enabled
- Regularly review privacy settings together
- Keep communication open so children feel confident to raise concerns
If you would like help or advice on any of the above, our Online Safety Lead Steve Neale can be contacted via office@friaryschool.co.uk
