Head lice are a common nuisance at home and at school but are not a major public health concern. Head lice do not spread illness or disease.

Schools, families and the school public health nurse all have a role to play in the control and management of head lice.

Role of schools:

• Implement head lice management protocols and guidelines based on best practices and health recommendations. Our head lice package includes a notice to parents, alert letter, fact sheet and treatment options materials for you to use.
• Promote best practices for head lice management as outlined by the public health nurse. This can include holding annual or biannual head lice awareness weeks where activities are designed to promote facts and dispel myths or distributing ongoing awareness materials and head check reminders via newsletters, websites, bulletin boards, health fairs, open houses, parent-teacher evenings, PAC meetings or other group events.
• Develop a resource library or section on the school website with information and best practice guidelines for management of head lice.

Head lice resources for schools can be found here:

http://www.vch.ca/public-health/children-youth-schools/school-health/north-shore-school-health-manual/head-lice-info-for-north-shore-schools

Role of parents: 

• Take a proactive approach in understanding lice facts and myths.
• Teach your child about prevention of head lice (e.g. not sharing hats, headsets, scarves, helmets).
• Ask questions and get information about head lice prevention and treatment options.
• Check the heads of every member of the household when lice have been identified in a close contact.
• Only treat household members who actually have head lice.
• Use recommended evidence-based treatment methods.

Role of public health:

The school public health nurse does not perform individual or group checks, support mass screening head checks or provide treatment to individuals or groups. Public health will:

• Ensure schools are provided with standardized, evidence-based head lice information for staff, teachers, parents and students.
• Act as a resource for the management of head lice and speak to parents and advisory committees as requested.
• Provide support and resources to schools for development of head lice management practices. We do not support exclusion from school due to head lice.
• Build capacity of facility staff, parents and other caregivers in the treatment and management of head lice.