Parental Restrictons on iMessage

Question

BC2010 Author

Level 1

5 points

Parental Restrictons on iMessage

I'm giving each of my daughters an iPod Touch for Christmas and I am setting them up to be "safe" devices for them.

As part of this, I have resitected "Accounts" in the iOS 5 settings. If I go to Mail, I get a nice pop-up that says that accounts are restricted and cannot be added. Further, Twitter and iCloud are disabled in the settings to prevent modification.

HOWEVER, iMessage still works and allows me to login or create a new account. It sure would like it if I could disable iMessage and prevent predators from randomly messaging my three little girls.

My wife has already gotten random text messages from "wrong numbers" on her iPhone who try to flirt with her and even send pictures -- it is the last thing I want for my little kids.

Anybody know how to disable iMessage?

Thanks

iPod touch, iOS 5

Posted on Oct 20, 2011 1:49 PM

Reply

Answer 1

ljd3030

Level 1

4 points

Oct 23, 2011 6:49 AM in response to BC2010

I have the same issue and really want a Restriction solution that turns iMessage ON or OFF completely. (When they are a little older, if I can limit the kids iMessage to send AND receive with only MY iPhone then I can communicate with the kids in a new way.)

I would love an Apple reply :o)

Reply

Answer 2

BC2010 Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 19, 2011 10:10 AM in response to ljd3030

Apple, are you listening? I realize that most parents are not diligent or savvy enough to protect their kids in this way so this thread may not get much attention. But clearly this is extremely important. Can you imagine the consequences of even one bad incident from unexpected iMessage use from a young kid?

Reply

Answer 3

lllaass

Level 10

210,559 points

Nov 19, 2011 10:15 AM in response to BC2010

Apple does not monitor these forums for suggestions. To make one:

Apple - iPod touch - Feedback

Reply

Answer 4

Sep 23, 2013 11:48 AM in response to BC2010

I realize this is 2 years late..but how did you make out with the ipods? Restrictions in ios 6 & 7 allow you to turn off the imessage switch and then disable account changes and the switch turns gray. Now I'm trying to figure out a way to allow my kids to text family but block others 😐

Reply

Answer 5

lllaass

Level 10

210,559 points

Sep 23, 2013 1:36 PM in response to TeresaBoo

Selective blocking of Message contacts has been added to iOS 7\Block unwanted messages. On a contact card, tap Block this Caller. You can see someone’s contact card while viewing a message by tapping Contact, then tap . You can also block callers in Settings > FaceTime > Blocked. You will not receive FaceTime calls, or text messages from blocked callers. For more information about blocking calls, see support.apple.com/kb/HT5845.

Selective allowing of contacts is not a current feature

Reply

Answer 6

BC2010 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 23, 2013 1:42 PM in response to lllaass

Correct... there is no "white list", only a "black list". I am handling this by periodically checking my kid's iPods from messages from anybody I don't recognize.

Reply

Answer 7

cciapple

Level 1

0 points

Oct 2, 2013 3:24 PM in response to BC2010

http://www.bewebsmart.com/ipod-ipad-iphone/how-to-restrict-imessage/

This website will show you how to block imessages, I just did it and it worked!

Reply

Answer 8

lllaass

Level 10

210,559 points

Oct 2, 2013 3:31 PM in response to cciapple

cciapple, you just repeated what TeresaBoo said nine days ago.

cciapple wrote:

http://www.bewebsmart.com/ipod-ipad-iphone/how-to-restrict-imessage/

This website will show you how to block imessages, I just did it and it worked!

Reply