Data is received defining a time period during which a notification of receipt should not be provided when an electronic message is received. Data may also be received defining certain types of messages for which notification of receipt should be provided during the time period. During the duration of the time period, no notification of receipt is provided for received electronic messages that are not within one of the specified types. After the time period has elapsed, notification of receipt is provided for electronic messages received during the time period and for which no notification of receipt was previously provided. Electronic messages may be sent during the time period and electronic messages received prior to the time period may be displayed for reading during the time period.