Territory students will be banned from using their mobile phones throughout the school day, including during recess and lunch breaks at all government schools, Education Minister Eva Lawler has declared, citing the risk of “distraction or social harm through their misuse”.

The new ban was announced Wednesday morning at the NT Education Leader’s Summit and will come into effect on the first day of Term 1 in 2023.

Students will have to keep their phones turned off throughout the day, however, Ms Lawler said the policy would “allow for teachers to permit mobiles only when necessary for classroom learning purposes, medical reasons or in emergencies”.

Ms Lawler admitted “many” schools already have similar policies in place but said the government policy will “mean the rule is extended to all government schools”.

She said the ban would prevent cyber-bullying and the detrimental effects on mental health.

“The constant feedback I hear from teachers and families is they feel powerless to manage the impacts that mobile phones are having on children and young people – the distraction to learning, the bullying, the impacts on mental health,” she said.

“This in turn leads to greater engagement with learning, a reduction in cyber-bullying and increased social skills.

“This new policy is about creating the best learning environment for all students, and supporting young people to genuinely focus and engage in their learning.”

The government said the mobile phone ban policy is based on similar policies enacted interstate where principals have anecdotally reported less class disruptions and increased social interactions.