The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular asking all affiliated schools to establish Sugar Boards. This mandate is not just another formality; it addresses a growing health crisis among children high sugar consumption.
What’s Driving This Move?
In recent years, cases of Type 2 diabetes among children have risen sharply. This condition was once rare in school-age kids. Today, it’s becoming common because of one factor i.e. excessive sugar intake.
Studies show that children aged 4-10 get around 13% of their daily calories from sugar. For teens aged 11-18, that figure jumps to 15%. Experts recommend only 5%. The gap is alarming. Much of this extra sugar comes from snacks and drinks sold in schools or packed in lunch boxes.
High sugar diets don’t just lead to diabetes. They cause obesity, tooth decay, and other metabolic issues. Poor health affects learning too as students who fall sick or lack energy struggle in class.
What Are CBSE Sugar Boards?
According to the circular, every school must display information boards that educate students about the risks of excessive sugar intake. These are not decorative charts. They are tools for food literacy and healthy eating habits. A CBSE Sugar Board should show:
- How much sugar a child should have in a day.
- How much sugar is hidden in common foods like biscuits, cold drinks, and packaged snacks.
- The health problems linked to too much sugar such as diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay.
- Simple, better choices like fruits, nuts, and snacks with less sugar.
When placed in areas students frequently visit—canteens, corridors, or assembly points—these boards can start conversations and change choices.
Why This Matters for Schools and Students
This mandate is part of a broader push to build healthy school environments. Reducing sugar consumption is not just about diet, it’s about preventing long-term illness. Excess sugar can cause obesity, early diabetes, and tooth decay, but the effects don’t stop there. Children who consume high-sugar diets are at risk of poor concentration and low academic performance. A balanced diet supports mental clarity and physical stamina. The CBSE Sugar Boards initiative also supports childhood diabetes prevention and aligns with national priorities on student wellness.
Beyond the Display Boards
The circular advises schools to go a step further. Along with boards, schools should conduct awareness seminars and workshops for students and parents. These sessions can include:
- How to read nutrition labels.
- Understanding FSSAI guidelines for sugar in school foods.
- The impact of excessive sugar on student health.
- Tips for promoting low-sugar options in school cafeterias.
How to Make It Effective
Here are practical ways to implement the CBSE Sugar Boards mandate:
- Use visuals to compare sugar cubes with actual snacks for easy understanding.
- Keep the language simple so even primary students can follow.
- Update the board regularly with seasonal snack examples.
- Add a section with ‘Did You Know?’ facts about sugar and health.
Schools can also link these boards with student wellness programs, making healthy eating part of the curriculum.
The CBSE Sugar Boards directive is more than compliance, it’s an opportunity. When students learn why sugar matters and how to choose better, habits change. Schools play a big role here, Every board, every session can help reduce the risk of diabetes and create a healthier generation.
Change starts with awareness. However, this time, it begins with a simple board on a school wall.