To tackle the growing issue of sugar consumption among children, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed all affiliated schools to set up ‘Sugar Boards’—an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the health risks of consuming too much sugar.
The initiative comes amid a growing trend of rising cases of Type 2 diabetes among children, a condition once primarily seen in adults.
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The notification reads: “The excessive consumption of sugar increases the risk of diabetes and contributes to obesity, dental problems, and other metabolic disorders, ultimately impacting children’s long-term health and academic performance. Studies indicate that sugar constitutes 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4 to 10 years and 15% for those aged 11 to 18 years, substantially exceeding the recommended limit of 5%.”
The schools have been asked to establish “sugar boards” where information is displayed to educate students about the risks of excessive sugar intake.
“These boards should provide essential information, including the recommended daily sugar intake, the sugar content in commonly consumed foods (unhealthy meals such as junk food, cold drinks, etc.), health risks associated with high sugar consumption, and healthier dietary alternatives,” the notice said.
The schools have been advised to conduct awareness seminars and workshops to educate students about mindful eating habits and the long-term benefits of reduced sugar intake.
The CBSE has also asked schools to submit a brief report and photographs of these activities in PDF format by July 15, 2025, via the provided link: https://shorturl.at/E3kKc.
