CBSE Directs Schools to Set Up ‘Sugar Boards’ to Tackle Growing Diabetes Risk Among Children

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CBSE Directs Schools to Set Up ‘Sugar Boards’ to Tackle Growing Diabetes Risk Among Children

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In response to the rising number of diabetes cases among children, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to establish “sugar boards” aimed at promoting awareness about the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption. The move comes as part of a broader initiative to improve students’ health and well-being.

According to CBSE officials, recent observations have shown a significant increase in Type 2 diabetes among children—a condition once considered more common in adults. This shift has raised concerns across the education and healthcare sectors.

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CBSE attributes this trend mainly to the high levels of sugar children consume, often due to the widespread availability of sugary snacks, soft drinks, and processed food items within and around school premises. These dietary habits not only raise the risk of diabetes but also contribute to obesity, dental issues, and other health problems that can negatively impact both long-term well-being and academic performance.

To address this growing health crisis, schools have been instructed to install “sugar boards” within their premises. These boards are intended to serve as educational tools for students, offering clear and accessible information about sugar-related health risks.

The boards should feature key facts such as the recommended daily sugar intake, how much sugar is present in commonly eaten foods (particularly junk food and soft drinks), potential health consequences of consuming too much sugar, and suggested healthier food choices. The goal is to encourage students to make more informed dietary decisions and adopt habits that support their long-term health.

CBSE cited studies showing that children aged 4 to 10 years get about 13% of their daily calories from sugar, while those aged 11 to 18 consume even more—around 15%. These figures are significantly higher than the recommended maximum of 5%.

The board further noted that the easy availability of sugary and processed foods in school environments plays a major role in pushing sugar intake well beyond healthy limits.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a statutory body established under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, also supports initiatives aimed at safeguarding the health and rights of vulnerable children.

In addition to setting up the sugar boards, schools are being urged to hold seminars and workshops to raise awareness among students, parents, and staff. CBSE has also mandated that a short report accompanied by photographs of the implemented measures be uploaded by schools before July 15.

Through this initiative, CBSE hopes to instill healthier eating habits among students and curb the rise of lifestyle-related health issues from an early age.

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