The SA Government is outlawing the use of highly-controversial spit hoods on youth detainees.

South Australia had been the only jurisdiction still using the devices, but decided on a ban a damning report by the state's ombudsman.

The report went over several instances of spit hood use, including on a 13-year-old girl at Adelaide Youth Training Centre (AYTC).

She was pinned face down to the ground by five staff members, handcuffed and placed in a spit hood after she asked an extra 30 minutes outside her cell.

“A dispute over bedtime should not result in a 13-year-old child being pinned to the floor and handcuffed,” ombudsman Wayne Lines said.

“At the very least, that child's behaviour did not present an immediate threat to the safety of others.

“I have no doubt that the application of a spit hood is an inherently traumatic event for the child or young person involved.”

They were used 57 times at AYTC in Cavan between October 2016 and June 2019.

Mr Lines found South Australia's use of spit hoods was “unreasonable and unjust” and could contravene international human rights standards.

“Children thrash about at the sight of the implement; some appear to be taken by surprise as it passes over their eyes; many appear to be crying when it is finally removed,” Mr Lines said.

“[This] appears to be out of step with most other Australian jurisdictions and inconsistent with international best practice, which generally prohibits the use of force against children and young people unless necessary to prevent a risk of injury or serious property damage.

“All other states and territories have banned the use of spit hoods or otherwise have never made use of the implements.”

The State Government says it will adopt the recommendation by September 2020.