School Zone

Parents

Lice at school are not the school's fault. Lice are everywhere and have always been around. It is best to communicate with parents regularly rather than only if lice are detected. This avoids panic reactions.

The following messages must be clear for parents:

  • Every school has a few children with a number of typical childhood illnesses or infections at all times. Head lice are one of them.
  • Reassure parents: head lice are not a direct threat to health. They are treatable as long as the treatment's guidelines are followed correctly.
  • Assure them that the school will tackle a lice epidemic discretely. Tell them that you will not inform parents about individual cases unless it regards their own child.

Children

Just like for adults, it is better to talk about head lice before they are detected.

First break the myth that head lice only live in dirty hair. Children don't have to be ashamed about having lice.

Explain it as a normal infection that is treatable. Children are curious: that's why you should explain what a louse is (show a few photos), how to detect them and how to prevent them.