How to not read my messages on iPhone 4?

I'm in a group message but I don't want to go to it. Could I turn off my "view in lockscreen" setting and it won't go to it or can I turn off group messaging or what?

So don't click the messages icon to read it then. Problem solved.

I talked with Apple support and they suggested doing an iphone reboot (keep holding the home key and the "power" button at the same time while waiting through for the apple icon to come back on).It fixed the problem. Of course I have no idea where the bizarre problem came from but I'm happy it's gone!