head lice in secondary school

[localmum]

Wasn't sure where to put this.

Child in dd's class (year 7) is constantly infested with head lice. She is a lovely girl and dd wants to be her friend etc, but is increasingly reluctant to go to her house/sit next to her because of the head lice problem.

Girl is apparantly not willing to ask her own mother for help - not sure why but dd says their are some "issues"??

Anyway, dd decided to have a discreet word with class teacher, to ask for advice on how to handle.

Class teacher more or less said it isn't dd's business - fair enough - but what do you think I should do?

Should I just leave it and hope teacher says something to child/mum?

I would be willing to offer to comb this girl's hair for her if her mum won't do it.

Dd thinks this poor child is going to end up being excluded from all friendship groups eventually. She has had the problem since September.

Maybe offer to teach the girl how to get rid of the nasties herself. Make the offer thru your DD since apparently the infested girl talks willingly to your DD about it?

My guess is teacher didn't want to embarass the infested girl, but you already know and the child is open with your DD about it.

Why can't the school write to the whole class and say "we have an case in school, could you please check tonight".

That is what our school does.

They also get the nurse to phone the parents and the children are not allowed back into school until treated.

It is not fair on the child, makes them feel rubbish, and it is not fair on the other children in the class.

There is no excuse for it in my book and that mum should be addressing it with her DD or that DD is going to feel rotten a) about her lack of friends b) the reason why and c)because they are sucking blood out of her head!!

In the meantime tie your DD's hair back in a pony tail and cover it with hairspray every morning. It creates a barrier that they the pesky buggers cannot penetrate.

The routine letter has gone out, but no joy.

Dd hasn't actually raised the issue with the girl, she has been to her house and said that she got the impression that this girl doesn't get on very well with her mum - this may be a wrong assumption - she just felt that the girl is a bit neglected.

Dd is wondering whether she should mention it, but is worried about hurt feelings/ everything backfiring etc. It is a tricky situation for a 12 yr old to deal with. I suppose she had hoped that the teacher would offer to speak to the girl.

I think the school needs to ring the mum, personally. I think that is really tricky for your DD to deal with and very embarrassing for the other girl.

Though I applaud your DD for wanting to help.

If the other mum is aware that the school know then she might be shamed into doing something.

I also heard once that if a child persisently has them and they are not attended to the school has the right to call Social Services as it may be a sign of other neglect? Have no idea how true that is.

Would your DD be willing to tell a white lie? Like 'Ugh, I got nits off my youngersibling/cousin and had to comb it myself, was a nightmare but I feel sooo much better now sort of thing? That way no pressure on teh girl IYSWIM but if she wanted your DD could direct her toa website or soemthing.

Poor girl though.

I think the teacher was wrong, your dd was being community spirited, and it is an issue that affects everybody.

At dd's school (age 13), the child would have to stay off until the problem was fixed, and only allowed back with a letter from the doctor.

What would happen if you phoned the other mother, and offered to comb her dd if she doesnt have time, as "she is such a lovely girl, and it's such bad luck that she keeps getting nits, so embarrassing at that age, dont you agree")?
I would probably do that, but I live in a fairly close community, where nobody would dare shout at someone for trying to help, especially where nits are concerned.