CBSE Asks Schools To Set Up ‘Sugar Boards’ To Keep Tab On Students’ Sugar Intake
New Delhi : Amid rising risk of diabetes in children, the CBSE has directed affiliated schools to establish “sugar boards” to monitor and reduce the sugar intake of children. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has noted that there has been a significant rise in Type 2 diabetes among children, a condition that was primarily seen in adults, over the past decade.
“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,” the CBSE said in a letter to school principals.
According to studies, sugar constitutes 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged four 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,” the letter said.
The direction was issued after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) wrote to CBSE highlighting that it is the responsibility of schools to provide proper care and necessary facilities to children living with type 1 diabetes.
The schools have been asked to establish “sugar boards” where information about the risks of excessive sugar intake would be displayed to educate students. “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. This will educate students about informed food choices and promote long-term health benefits among students,” it said.
The board said that the Schools have also been asked to organise awareness seminars and workshops in this regard. “A brief report and few photographs may be uploaded by the schools before July 15,”