The states where mobile phones will be banned at schools in 2020

A ban on using mobile phones during school hours will start for all public school students in Victoria and Western Australia this week.

The states have brought in the bans, which kick off when children return to the classroom for the year, in an effort to prevent distraction and curb cyberbullying.

Tasmanian students in primary and secondary schools will face a ban from the second term.

Last June Victoria was the first state to commit to a ban for all its state school students, with WA and Tasmania following suit later in the year.

NSW has committed to a primary school ban, which flows from a new policy starting this week, after piloting the measure at 22 schools in 2019.

The policy is to provide advice to high schools on students using digital devices, but ultimately leaves it to them to decide whether a ban is necessary.

There will be restrictions in NSW primary schools, but they are being given a one-year grace period to hash out the details.

• Michelle Bridges pulled over for 'drink-driving' on Australia Day

• 'Get this right': Woolworths shopper outraged by 'excessive' delivery

• Shopper's gripe with supermarkets over Australia Day merchandise

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan has been encouraging states to sign up to a ban through the Council of Australian Governments.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews believes his state is ready for the measure, even if it is not universally popular.

"We want our kids focused on learning, not on Snapchatting and texting and whatever else you might do on a mobile device," he told reporters in Melbourne on Monday.

"This is a pretty simple thing. It's something parents have called for, many teachers have called for."

All of the bans announced so far include potential exemptions for educational purposes or students with medical conditions.

As the bans loom, a company that makes smart devices is urging state governments not to bar all mobile devices in schools, stressing some have a 'school mode' which ensures they do not distract students.

Spacetalk – which includes the mode in their smartwatches – has released a survey of 1000 parents of primary school-aged students, showing 72 per cent believe their children should be able to wear smartwatches.

Kylie Crawford, from NSW, says her eight-year-old daughter, Sumaya, wears the watch in 'school mode' all day, meaning it works like any other watch.

But when 3pm hits she can read messages, including ones from her parents indicating whether there has been a change to who will pick her up that afternoon.

Ms Crawford says she hopes schools do not crack down on these devices in classrooms.

"A ban on them bringing them to school would not be beneficial to families," she said.

What do mobile phone bans mean?

Victoria: Students have to switch off their phones and store them in lockers during school hours until the final bell. In the case of an emergency, parents or guardians can reach their child by calling the school. Potential exemptions for educational purposes or children with medical conditions.

Western Australia: Pupils from kindergarten to Year 6 will not be permitted to have mobile phones in their possession at all, while students from Years 7 to 12 must have them turned off and out of sight. Smart watches must be set to airplane mode. Potential exemptions for educational purposes or children with medical conditions.

NSW: The use of digital devices by primary school students must be restricted during class at recess and at lunch. Potential exemptions for educational purposes or children with medical conditions. Primary schools are also being given a one-year grace period to revise how they run the ban if certain measures are not working.

Tasmania: From Term 2 of 2020, students from primary school to Year 12 will be required to have their phones "off and away" all day. Year 11 and 12 students are able to opt out, subject to approval from their school association. Potential exemptions for educational purposes or children with medical conditions.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.