iMessage is a different beast from the other messaging protocols on an iPad. It doesn't require any additional downloads, because it's part of the iOS operating system. It can't be deleted, for the same reason. And most importantly, all it takes is the activation of an AppleID to use it - which is required for most other operations on an iPad. Finally, the limited restrictions that Apple allows users to place on an iPad do not include iMessage usage.
What's a parent to do?
First, identify the problem. If you're concerned with social chat, ask yourself, "Why?". Is it that they're chatting late at night? Is it affecting their sleep? Do you know who they're chatting with? Are they distracted by incoming messages during other obligations (like homework)? Are they harassed by other students, or are they harassing other students?
Before breaking out the technical solution, there are social solutions to these problems. Most of them are common sense, that when you take the word "iPad" out of the sentence will become immediately apparent. For example, if a classmate calls my child at 11:30pm, I would deny the call, and then contact that child's parents and ask them not to call my house so late at night. The medium has changed, but let's not let our rules of civility fall apart.
Sometimes, a technical solution can augment a social solution. I will show you how to disable use of iMessage on the iPad/iPhone, but when a challenge is presented to an enterprising child, for every door we close they will knock down a wall. It's a boundary, and they will test it. And we can spend every waking moment trying to block every social media protocol on the web, only to find that the heads of Hydra keep growing back.
How to disable iMessage on an iPad
- Launch Settings
- Scroll down to iMessage
- Tap on the Apple ID
- Choose Log Out
- Scroll up to General
- Tap on Restrictions
- Scroll down (on the right) to Accounts
- Enable the restriction that prevents changing account information
The iMessage settings are now grayed out, and the iMessage app will not allow an AppleID to login, thus disabling it.
