The Tasmanian Education Minister has been forced to clarify how recent changes targeting absenteeism will affect families taking holidays in school terms.

Tasmanian families, which have lower average incomes than those interstate, often justify taking children on holidays during school terms because flights and accommodation are cheaper in off-peak times.

Changes to the state's education act, which came into effect on July 10, were designed to raise education standards and encourage children to attend school as much as possible.

Previously, principals were able to use their discretion to authorise absences for "any reasonable cause", which was defined as one that they deemed to be "in the best educational interests of the student".

Overseas holidays during school terms were often allowed under this provision, but now students can only be excused under "a new limited set of circumstances", which are essentially sickness or incapacity.

Students with continued unexplained absences are now required to take part in conciliation measures involving their parents, teachers and social workers.

The Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations said other than illness, there was no scope under the act for parents to be able to excuse their child from school.

Association vice-president Lisa Gillard said it meant students who missed school for things like family holidays would have "unauthorised absences" recorded.

"At the end of the day some holidays that kids go on could be educational and beneficial and they could learn lots more on holidays than they could be doing in their classroom," she said

Changes leave parents confused

The new rules have caused confusion among parents, with many worried they could face penalties or legal battles if they decide to take their child travelling during the school term.

Some have contacted department for clarification on who can authorise absences, and whether holidays during school terms will be allowed in special circumstances.

In an email responding to a parent's enquiry, the department said more information about the changes would be provided "very shortly" through newsletters and fact sheets.

The email explained school communities had been allowed a "transition time" until the end of 2017 to become familiar with the changes.

It means the changes will not apply to parents who have already made arrangements, such as booking overseas flights and accommodation, or who have discussed the absence with the school before July 10.

Minister insists no penalty involved

Penalties can apply if a child is absent from school without any reason provided by parents, a situation deemed an "unexplained absence".

In a statement, Education and Training Minister Jeremy Rockliff said families would not be penalised in situations where there had been appropriate communication as this would instead be recorded as an "unauthorised absence".

"The changes have been made to make sure students get the most out of their schooling as regular attendance affects a student's success in school and in life — that is why we strongly encourage families and carers to plan family holidays in the three months out of school term," he said.

"However, I want to be clear — if a family decides to take a holiday during school term I strongly encourage them to discuss the matter with their principal first — noting the child and family will not be penalised."

Mr Rockliff said parents planning overseas trips should discuss them with their school to ensure education was "not unduly interrupted".

Parents vent on social media

The issue sparked debate on ABC Radio Hobart's Facebook page.

"My parents NEVER got leave during school holidays. We went on family holidays fairly regularly and always learnt heaps," Helen Chapman said.

Wayne Ballard posted: "Police state. They are our children, they don't belong to the Government."

"Some parents clearly do not see the importance of an education. Come on guys, you have school holidays for things like that. You should be attacking the airlines for charging the high prices on families during the holidays," Loretta Seeber said.