(Vanity) Question about Apple Imessage

[RangerM]

I'm not an Apple guy, but I'm wondering if there is a difference between an "imessage alert" and an "imessage".

My daughter has an iPad, and she gets imessages from unknown persons who apparently have collected her ID from others' multiple-recipient messages.

I've read that you can restrict imessage alerts to contacts, but does this mean the the imessage (itself) no longer appears on the device, unless sent by one of her contacts? Or does this mean she will still get the imessage, but the device won't make it's notification sound/vibration/whatever.

I know that imessage can be turned off completely, but since she does get legitimate (from her contacts) imessages from time to time, I'm seeing if I can avoid it.

Thanks.

[smokingfrog]

http://www.bewebsmart.com/ipod-ipad-iphone/two-ios-7-features-parents-will-love/

[ConservativeMind]

iMessages can come from anyone with an iMessage-capable device. They are text message equivalents that route through Apple's servers encrypted and without normal SMS (standard text) messaging limits of 160 characters.

IMessage Alerts are, in my understanding of your context, simply the notifications she has on by default for all such messages, so that she knows something came in.

Your daughter can restrict delivery of all non-VIP labeled texts and can turn off any alerting for iMessages. She can also unilaterally, permanently block all iMessage originators by their identified phone number.

[smokingfrog]

http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202747

[Swordmaker]

IMessage Alerts are, in my understanding of your context, simply the notifications she has on by default for all such messages, so that she knows something came in.

Imessage alerts will display on the lock screen or on an App screen a partial or complete iMessage depending on length and provide the user with a dismiss or respond choice. On lock screen, the respond requires a passcode or finger press to the home button on fingerprint locked devices, on Apps there will be a limited text input block for a quick reply.

[Swordmaker]

RangerM, you can choose to block incoming iMessages by the number associated with them by selecting the “i” or “details” (depending on version of iOS) to the right of the name or number field at the top of the message. When the “info” window opens, select “block caller”. Problem solved.