Head Lice in Schools

While head lice should not be considered a "school problem", the solution to head lice management may be found in school communities working together

All too often schools are called upon to deal with the issues other than those relating to the education of children...such as the problem of head lice, which is really a public health issue. Day-to-day life within a school is busy enough without having to deal with these side issues.

Yet the reality is that whenever there are two or more children gathered and sharing head space, a breeding ground for lice is evident.

The development of resistance to pesticides by head lice, coupled with the fact that many parents don't know what else to do has led to head lice infestation reaching epidemic proportions.

In many Australian schools, the solution to head lice management has come from the parent body. By providing information to all parents about head lice management, through parent workshops, brochures and information in school newsletters and/or conducting 'Nitpicker' days, many schools have been able to successfully take control of head lice infestation.

Lice Free Naturally and Nitpickers began as a result of educating myself on current research into head lice management and then passing on this information to other parents. I have developed a range of resources and aids to assist schools and parents in head lice education and prevention. Please feel free to contact me for more information.

Head lice life cycle