If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve thought about lice—especially if your child is in elementary school. Head lice are incredibly common, and for many years, school lice policies have caused confusion and anxiety for families.

So what exactly are the rules around lice in schools? Let’s break it down—clearly, simply, and with professional insight from Lice Care Associates Danvers, your trusted local resource for head lice prevention, screening, and treatment.

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🚫 Are Kids Sent Home for Lice?

In U.S. public schools today, the answer is no.

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated their guidelines in recent years, stating that:

Children with head lice should not be excluded from school or kept home, and “no-nit” policies should be discontinued.

This means that most school districts in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and across the U.S. now allow children with lice to stay in school, even during treatment.

(Source: AAP Head Lice Clinical Report | CDC Lice Info)

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🧠 Why the Rules Have Changed

The updated lice rules are based on scientific evidence and public health research:

• Lice do not spread disease and are not considered a health hazard.
• Children with lice are typically contagious long before lice are detected.
• Excluding students causes unnecessary academic and social harm.
• “No-nit” policies don’t effectively reduce transmission but increase stigma and missed learning time.

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🧼 How Do Schools Handle Lice Now?

Here’s what most schools do today if lice are found:

• Notify parents discreetly
• Recommend starting treatment ASAP
• Allow the child to remain in class
• Send general notices if multiple cases occur in a classroom

School nurses may perform periodic head checks, especially during outbreak seasons, but mass school-wide checks are less common today.

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🤔 Should You Still Be Concerned About Lice in School?

Yes—and no.

Head lice are common in school-aged children, but there’s no need to panic. The good news is that lice are only spread through direct head-to-head contact, not through classrooms, backpacks, or shared air.

The bad news? They’re still annoying, persistent, and difficult to treat without help.

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🛡️ How to Prevent Lice at School

Here are some easy steps you can take to help protect your child:

• Keep hair tied back in braids, buns, or ponytails
• Avoid head-to-head contact during playtime, selfies, or sports
• Use a natural lice repellent, like our popular NitBlock Daily Spritz
• Perform weekly head checks, especially after sleepovers or school vacations

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✅ Lice Care Associates Danvers: Your Local Partner in Prevention and Treatment

Even with the best prevention, lice can still happen—and when they do, Lice Care Associates Danvers is here to help.

We offer:

• Professional lice screening and detection
• Safe, pesticide-free lice removal
• Education, prevention tips, and support for the whole family

📍 Serving families in Boston, the North Shore, and Southern New Hampshire, we’ve helped thousands of households through lice outbreaks—with compassion and guaranteed results.

📲 Call or text us today at 978-907-3245 to schedule your appointment.

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💬 Final Thoughts

The school lice rules in 2025 are based on facts, not fear. Head lice don’t belong in the same category as contagious illnesses—and thankfully, the AAP and CDC agree.

Still, when lice strike, it helps to have local experts on your side. For effective treatment, expert advice, and peace of mind, trust Lice Care Associates Danvers—because lice happens, and we know what to do when it does.