New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to establish "sugar boards" on campus to monitor and reduce students’ sugar consumption.

The directive comes in response to growing concerns over a sharp rise in Type 2 diabetes among children, a condition once largely confined to adults. According to CBSE officials, the increase is closely linked to high levels of sugar intake among school-aged children.

"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 board said in a letter addressed to school principals.

Citing studies, the board noted that children between the ages of 4 to 10 years consume sugar, accounting for 13% of their daily calorie intake, while those aged 11 to 18 years consume around 15%, both far above the recommended daily limit of 5%.

"The proliferation of sugary snacks, beverages, and processed foods, often readily available in school environments, contributes significantly to this excessive intake," it said.

To counter this, schools have been instructed to install sugar boards that display key information such as the recommended daily sugar limit, sugar content in popular junk foods and drinks, health risks of high sugar consumption, and healthier alternatives.

"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," the CBSE added.

Additionally, schools are expected to organise awareness workshops and seminars to educate students on the issue. Schools have been asked to upload a brief report, along with photographs of the initiatives taken before July 15.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a statutory body under the CPCR Act, 2005, which works to safeguard children's rights, especially those who are most vulnerable.