School Lice Policies

Although different from school to school throughout the United States, most schools have a firm stance on head lice, and typically have a policy in place. Some schools choose the route of a “no-nit policy” meaning, children with nits (head lice eggs) in their hair are not allowed back in school until the nits have been properly removed. Other schools choose to allow children to stay in school with nits, so long as live lice are not detected upon inspection (typically by a school nurse).

What’s the big deal with nits anyway? Traditionally, the standard head lice treatments (those using chemical pesticides) can kill live bugs however, are unable to successfully extinguish nits. Consequently, if the nits are not removed, they can hatch resulting in a reinfestation.

Why are school policies regarding lice so varied? Below we explain both sides of the argument to help you better understand why your child’s school has implemented a specific policy:

Nits, No Problem. Why?

• Head lice aren’t known to pose a serious threat (i.e. illness, disease).
• To keep children from falling behind in school due to excessive absences with head lice infestations.
• Also, to help parents avoid missing work.
• To avoid ostracizing students who struggle regularly with persistent lice infestations.
• Because there has not been any scientific evidence proving conclusively that a “no nit policy” reduces the number of head lice infestations in schools.

No to Nits! Why?

• To assist in elimination of head lice infestations and outbreaks in schools.
• Helps parents and children avoid the cost of repeated treatments and lessens exposure to harmful chemical pesticides (if using a treatment with permethrin or pyrethrum).
• Eliminates confusion; are these nits from a previous infestation or a new infestation?
• Reduces strain on school administration, by encouraging parents to assume the responsibility in head lice control.

If you are unaware of your child’s school lice policy, contact the school nurse or health administrator. Keeping an open dialogue with your child’s school can aid in better communication of outbreaks; this way, if your child comes home with lice you can tackle the infestation early on.

Regardless of the policy, Non-Toxic Licefreee Spray! is a great tool in the fight against head lice. Not only does our head lice spray kill live lice, it also effectively kills nits.

Nits or not, Licefreee Spray! gets the job done!

***It is important to note that head lice are not known to carry disease; nor are they an indication of a child’s personal hygiene or cleanliness of self or home.