Students at the Toronto District School Board with head lice may no longer be required to miss school, the board says.

Until now, children who contracted to bug had to stay home until it had completely cleared.

But after Toronto Public Health changed its stance on the disease, the TDSB says it will be reviewing its own policy.

“Toronto Public Health recently updated their pediculosis policy to be consistent with recommendations from the Canadian Paediatric Society with regards to the need for exclusion of students,” school board spokesperson Ryan Bird said in an email statement. “As we take our lead from Toronto Public Health, the TDSB will now look at bringing our procedures in line with Toronto Public Health.”

On Wednesday, the Ontario Ministry of Education also responded to the news, saying the decision is ultimately up to individual school boards.

“The health of our students is of utmost importance. On the issue of lice, school boards are responsible for developing and implementing their own policies. It is our understanding and expectation that school boards work with their local public health units to create policy, inform parents, advise on treatment and address concerns. Should parents have further questions, they should speak to their local public health unit. We encourage school boards to continue the dialogue with parents and local public health units.”

Toronto Public Health says the spread of lice can be controlled by discouraging children from sharing hats and other items that might come into contact with their head.

Bird said parents whose children have or have had head lice will likely support the change.

"Parents…come to us and say, 'Look I realize that my child has lice, they are being treated. I don't think they should have to stay home from school for days if not more than a week at a time because of this,'" he told CP24.

It is unclear when the policy change would come into effect if approved.

Other school boards in the Toronto area have not expressed any plans to change their policies on head lice.

More information about the disease is available on the Toronto Public Health website.