Another principal's joined the growing number of schools across the country banning cellphones.

Rotorua Intermediate's made the decision to ban phones after too many students were becoming distracted.

From Monday, kids will need to put their phones in a classroom safe at the start of the day and get them back at 3pm.

Principal Garry de Thierry says many teachers agreed the devices were the biggest learning hindrance.

He says students were going online, apps and texting each other under the desk.

De Thierry adds that they have chrome books all throughout the school, so mobile phones are unnecessary.

Both parents and students are supporting the decision.