Students at state schools in Tasmania will be banned from using mobile phones during school hours from term two next year, Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff has announced.

Key points: From term two next year students in all government schools will be required to have their phones "off and away all day"

From term two next year students in all government schools will be required to have their phones "off and away all day" The Education Minister wants to reduce distractions and encourage greater interaction

The Education Minister wants to reduce distractions and encourage greater interaction The ban will be reviewed after 12 months

The Minister said he expected schools to be noisier, happier and more productive after the ban.

"We listen a lot to the evidence that's created by people who have already implemented these restrictions in their schools," Mr Rockliff said.

"There's just no doubt they're a significant distraction to learning not only for the student and teacher but the rest of the classroom as well.

"The schoolyard actually is noisier because our students are interacting with each other rather than look at their mobile phones during lunchtime and recess."

Students in all government schools will be required to have their phones "off and away all day" from bell to bell.

"While electronic devices have a place in learning, we also need to acknowledge the issues that can occur when their use is not regulated such as cyberbullying and serious distraction," Mr Rockliff said.

The current policy allows individual schools to choose how students' mobile phones are managed.

There will be exceptions to the new policy: students with disability and students in years 11 and 12 will have greater flexibility in whether they are allowed to use their phones.

The ban, which brings Tasmania into line with interstate schools, will be reviewed after 12 months.

Cyber bulling rates drop

A number of Tasmanian schools have already banned mobile phones, including New Town High in Hobart.

New Town principal David Kilpatrick said the school's culture and results had improved since the policy was introduced.

He said a recent student wellbeing survey found 80 per cent of his school's students had not been cyberbullied, and pointed to the figure as evidence the policy was working.

"I couldn't have said that three years ago," Mr Kilpatrick said.

Grade 10 student Luke Van Emmerik said there had been some resistance when the ban was first introduced but students had come around.

He had this advice for other students:

"I think you just need to embrace it and realise it's for the betterment of your learning," he said.

The decision has been backed by the Commissioner for Children, Leanne McLean, but she said she wanted to see further consultation with students.

"What is clear is that we must effectively balance the right of children and young people to a safe, engaging and effective learning environment with other rights, including their right to learn about technology and participate in our digital age," she said in a statement.

Parents back ban on social media

The reaction on the ABC's Facebook page has been mostly positive.

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"They should never have been allowed in class in the first place," posted Jan Mckenzie.

Troy Target said students just had to wear it: "Who cares how they feel. Don't need them. Now hopefully private schools follow."

"Face in the phone generation now might learn something," said Lorraine Bennett.

Angela Wilton said it would have a positive effect.

"Kids are forgetting how to make friends and actually socialise."

However, some were sceptical.

"Absolutely no chance they will be able to police this," said Mark Kempster.

Student Ashley McMitchell said it could backfire.

"Hope the teachers love it when we can't get work done because the school's internet doesn't work and the school devices don't work either … this is going to be hilarious."

Ellen Holmes suggested more exemptions.

"I'm really glad there will be exceptions made for people with disability but I hope to see exceptions for young carers as well."