The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has raised concerns about the growing incidence of diabetes among school children and has instructed schools to establish ‘Sugar Boards’ to raise awareness about implications excessive sugar consumption.
In a circular issued on Wednesday, May 14, the CBSE directed that these Sugar Boards should offer key information such as the recommended daily sugar intake, sugar levels in commonly consumed foods, particularly unhealthy options like junk food and soft drinks, the health risks of high sugar consumption, and suggestions for healthier dietary alternatives.
“The initiative aims to help students make informed dietary choices and encourage better long-term health outcomes,” the board stated. It also advised schools to conduct seminars and workshops to further raise awareness.
The CBSE in a circular stated that over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in Type 2 diabetes among children, a condition once primarily seen in adults. This alarming trend is largely attributed to high sugar intake, often due to the easy availability of sugary snacks, beverages, and processed foods within school environments. The excessive consumption of sugar not only increases the risk of diabetes but also 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 proliferation of sugary snacks, beverages, and processed foods, often readily available in school environments, contributes significantly to this excessive intake.
Notably, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a statutory body established under Section 3 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, plays a key role in safeguarding the rights of children, especially those who are most vulnerable and marginalized.
