Smartphones double risk of kids’ head lice
45% infected in past five years
CHILDREN who regularly use smartphones or tablets are twice as likely to get head lice, according to a study.
Scientists believe it may be because youngsters gather together in groups, allowing the tiny insects to spread more easily.
A survey of more than 200 children found of those who did not have or use either type of device, 29.5% experienced head lice – compared to 62.5% who did.
The study also revealed nearly half (45%) had been affected, up to 22 times more than the figure of 2%-8% that has been calculated in the past. Dr Tess McPherson, of Oxford University Hospitals, said: “Compared to previous estimates of head lice incidence, our figures were much higher, showing that almost half of children have had them in the last five years – which may not come as a surprise to parents. “We also noted that children with smartphones or tablets were more likely to get head lice, which is interesting. “But we can only guess this is due to the way young people gather around them.” Head lice live in hair and are most common in four to 11-yearolds – causing an itchy scalp.