Report

To combat rising health issues among children, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to set up ‘Sugar Boards’ on their campuses. Acting on a recommendation from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), this initiative seeks to educate students about the dangers of excessive sugar intake.

Why the Focus on Sugar?

CBSE’s latest move comes amid alarming trends in children’s diets. Recent data shows that sugar contributes to 13% of daily calorie intake in children aged 4–10, and 15% in those aged 11–18, far exceeding the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of 5%. Excessive sugar consumption is strongly linked to:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Obesity

• Dental problems

• Other metabolic disorders

What Schools Must Do

CBSE has asked schools to install ‘Sugar Boards’ that display:

• Recommended daily sugar intake for children

• Sugar content in popular foods and beverages

• Health risks associated with high sugar consumption

Source: The Telegraph India