Blocking iMesaage

[rdk]

We have two year levels with un-managed iPads - the kids have internet access at school through our proxy & filters, but don't access the network. Things mostly work fine, and we can block the usual sites through our normal filters. However, we don't know how to block iMessage. The kids are messaging each other across classses and within classes all the time.

Some internet threads say to block port 5223, which we'll try tomorrow, but does anyone have any other ideas?

[London_Geek]

Just out of curiosity, are you completely against managing the devices?

My suggestion would be to go via the Apple Configurator route (completely free from the Apple App Store), so that you can completely disable access to this app. Whilst thinking about it, it may be worth limiting access to other apps such as FaceTime...
It's worth noting however, that you can only do 30 at a time.

Hope this is of some help.

[rdk]

Just out of curiosity, are you completely against managing the devices?

My suggestion would be to go via the Apple Configurator route .....

We have about 300 iPads, and we decided >1 year ago that the kids would manage their own iPads, as they are personal devices to every student and they take them home at night etc. Also, the VPP is not available in Australia so we needed the kids to install the apps (we gave out iTunes cards). So, yes, we would not like to start managing the iPads now.

One word about Apple (we are a mac & iPad school)- lots of info pre-purchase info, but once you've bought them not much help at all.