SMARTPHONES are fuelling a dramatic rise in head lice among British schoolchildren, scientists have claimed.

Kids often cluster together in groups around their phones when taking photos, allowing the beasties to jump from one child's head to the next.

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Head lice can be a common problem for young children aged four to 11 and still at primary school

A study of more than 200 youngsters found those owning a smartphone – or tablet – were more than twice as likely to be infested with the tiny bugs.

Out of the 98 who did not have or use either type of device just under 30 per cent experienced head lice – compared to 65 of the 104 (62.5 percent) who did.

The embarrassing social problem could be much more common than feared.