New Delhi: Since diabetes in children is on the rise, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) instructed all its associated schools to have ‘Sugar Boards’ to tell students about healthy eating practices and the dangers of too much sugar. On May 22, 2025, the directive was published to respond to health problems and strive for a healthier atmosphere in schools nationwide.
A look at the details of the mandate
The CBSE has instructed that schools install sugar boards, which are notice boards reminding staff and students about added sugar, in canteens, communal spaces and water stations. They will give advice about sugar levels for common items, the effects of too much sugar on your health, and how to eat well. Boards should be updated each month at schools with infographics, quizzes and posters developed by students to maintain students’ attention and familiarity with the subject.
Part of the programme is getting schools to add nutrition to science and physical education lessons. Principals are being urged by CBSE to arrange workshops alongside nutritionists or medical professionals for students, teachers and parents. All schools must comply and, by July 31, 2025, provide implementation reports.
People are increasingly worried about their child’s diabetes
As type 2 diabetes rises in Indian children due to lack of exercise, unhealthy eating and easy access to sugary snacks, authorities are taking action. The study, done in 2024 by ICMR, found that the number of obese and diabetic children has increased up. This is especially in metropolitan areas, where one tenth to one fifth of adolescents are likely to develop prediabetes. The WHO has also noted that eating too much sugar increases the risk of non-communicable diseases.
CBSE’s effort is consistent with the Union Health Ministry’s campaign to reduce lifestyle diseases. A ministry official told PTI that helping young children understand the importance of healthy eating lowers the risk of long-term diseases. Education at school is the perfect time to establish healthy behaviours that last a lifetime.”
How the Policy is Put Into Practice
Educational institutions can customise their ‘Sugar Boards’ to CBSE’s requirements. This ensures that messages and visuals are appropriate for children at each age level. For example, some places have introduced methods like QR codes that take you to helpful nutritional websites. In addition, they have introduced screens that track how much sugar you eat during the day.
Still, educators have expressed worry about the practical problems involved. He told reporters that while the intention is laudable, schools with few resources may have trouble keeping up with updates and consulting more experts. Others argued that canteen food should be more carefully supervised since soft drinks and packaged snacks are often part of their menu.
Health care experts feel this effort is well-timed. Dr. Anjali Sharma, a paediatric endocrinologist, pointed out to The Hindu that teaching children about sugar dangers can help them choose healthier foods and prevent diabetes. Schools should make it their highest priority to offer easy access to healthy food options. While some parents have expressed appreciation for the campaign, others are calling for it to be implemented in other school systems.
The directive follows many other measures in Indian schools focused on health, such as physical activity classes and mental health counselling. These revised standard guidelines are a natural addition to the ongoing Fit India Movement, which encourages physical fitness for students. Others believe that problems such as promoting too many sweets to children require more government action than schools can do.