Final answer:
Children with bacterial conjunctivitis can often return to school after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment, given it reduces transmission risk, while viral conjunctivitis does not respond to antibiotics and resolves on its own.
Step-by-step explanation:
A child diagnosed with conjunctivitis can generally return to school after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment if they have bacterial conjunctivitis. This is because bacterial conjunctivitis is very contagious and is commonly treated with antibiotics which can reduce the risk of transmission to others. However, children with viral conjunctivitis, which may also present with similar redness and discharge, will not benefit from antibiotics, as the condition is typically caused by a virus such as adenoviruses and will resolve on its own within a week or two. If the type of conjunctivitis is uncertain, it is essential to consult a medical professional for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendation.