Guards at the Adelaide Youth Training Centre will have body-worn cameras attached to their uniforms to capture audio and video footage during incidents.

The trial will determine if the cameras reduce the severity of incidents and level of force required to de-escalate a situation.

It also aims to improve the quality and accuracy of incident reporting, the state government said on Tuesday.

SA police currently use body-worn cameras, but their introduction in a prison is a first for the state.

Human Services minister Michelle Lensink said trials from interstate showed body-worn cameras acted as a potential deterrent.

"Young people at the Adelaide Youth Training Centre can present with challenging behaviour," Ms Lensink said.

"With this in mind, management can often be challenging and even with the best practice and support techniques, incidents can occur.

"It's important we use this trial to ensure we continue to protect young people and staff while maintaining young people's privacy."

Staff from the juvenile prison will be consulted in the coming weeks to determine trial guidelines, including when the cameras are used.

The trial is expected to start in March and will run for six months.

In addition to the body camera trial, the centre also plans to introduce a full-body scanner by July 2020 to better detect goods being smuggled into the prison.

Australian Associated Press