Disabling iMessage on and iPad … and how to keep it that way! 

A common question from parents in regards to student iPad use at home is often around the use of the iMessage function.

iMessage is a function that will never be used as a learning tool at school. Please also be aware that iMessages sent outside of school hours certainly have the potential to cause social issues within school.

We strongly encourage you talk to your child about the use of iMessage and also suggest that you regularly check their device to keep abreast of their online activity. 

iMessage is a functionality that is certainly not required for any school/class work at school or home. iMessage allows students to message each other, individually and/or in group ‘chats’. It also provides the functionality to send photo/picture/video messages. How/when your child uses an electronic device at home is of course at the discretion of you as a parent. However, we do encourage you to closely monitor your child’s use of the device to ensure that it is being used appropriately and within your expectations at home. 

You can turn off the iMessage function in Settings (see screenshot below). If the iMessage function is enabled, the button will be green. To disable the function, slide/tap this button to turn grey/white. This can then be easily turned back on without the need for a passcode etc. However, it is possible to ‘lock’ the ability for your child to turn this back on through Restrictions settings.  This will mean that once turned off, iMessage will be locked off on a device so it cannot be turned back on without a Restrictions passcode being entered (set by a parent/carer). This is done in Settings/General/scroll down to Restrictions. You will then be prompted to enter a passcode that you, the parent, will remember, and that your child would not be able to guess. You then scroll down to “Allow Changes” and select “Account” then select “don’t allow changes”. This will mean that the iMessage function cannot be turned back on without the ‘Restrictions’ passcode being entered.