Explained: Why CBSE’s new sugar boards are a timely wake-up call for schools and students

In an age where screen time often replaces playtime and sugary snacks have become staples in school bags, children in India are facing a growing health crisis. With rising cases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and poor dietary habits among school students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched a remarkable step to address the problem by introducing Sugar Boards in schools across the country. The aim is to educate young minds about the dangers of excess sugar, promote healthier habits, and ultimately reduce the burden of lifestyle diseases in the next generation.This initiative comes at a time when alarming statistics show that students are consuming far more sugar than recommended. In the recent CBSE guidelines, several health studies have been referred to. They reveal that children between 4 and 10 years of age derive about 13% of their daily calories from sugar, while those aged 11 to 18 consume as much as 15%. This is well above the 5% limit recommended by the World Health Organization.

How will the sugar boards function?

Under this new CBSE initiative, schools will be required to install Sugar Boards—visually engaging displays placed strategically across campuses to raise awareness about the harmful effects of excessive sugar intake.Designed to be eye-catching and educational, these boards will use pictures, infographics, fun facts, and real-world comparisons to help students easily grasp the risks of high-sugar diets. To make the experience interactive, schools can integrate elements like quizzes, student-contributed health tips, and QR codes linking to short videos or games.Each board will highlight key messages, including:

To support the visual learning, CBSE has also encouraged schools to organize workshops, expert talks, and interactive sessions that show students how small dietary changes can make a big difference to their health.

Implementation across schools

The initiative is already underway in several regions across the country. In Kolkata, schools such as South Point and Aditya Academy have added nutrition-based messages to morning assemblies and are conducting interactive workshops. Schools in Kolkata plan to hire a full-time nutritionist in the school. TNN has quoted Satabdi Bhattacharjee, Principal, Newtown School, Kolkata, saying, “The aim is to hold special workshops with students and parents and suggest food choices to the parents.”

Understanding the need for sugar boards

Excessive sugar consumption has become a major public health concern, with growing evidence linking it to the early onset of serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable, as their dietary habits are still forming and can have long-term health consequences.One of the key contributors to this issue is the widespread and easy access to high-sugar products including snacks, soft drinks, and processed foods within school environments. These food items are often more accessible and appealing than healthier alternatives, making them a routine part of students’ daily diets. With limited awareness and minimal regulation in many schools, students may consume far more sugar than recommended, often without realising the risks.

How will it impact the students?

More than just static displays, the boards are meant to spark curiosity and generate regular conversations around food choices, both in the classroom and at home. “Schools play a very important role in inculcating healthy eating habits as children eat two meals there. They get influenced greatly by the school environment. These sugar boards will help children understand and opt for healthier choices right from a young age,” says Suneetha Rao, chief nutritionist at NU Hospitals, Bengaluru, in an interaction with TNN.This initiative aims to educate students on the long-term health risks of high sugar consumption, including obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Moreover, students are also expected to learn to make better dietary decisions by learning about alternative healthy eating habits.

The bigger picture

The rise of type 2 diabetes in children, once considered an adult-only disease, is a matter of deep concern. Early diagnosis often means lifelong management, affecting a child’s physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance.Following this initiative, schools also plan to incorporate sugar level testing as a part of their routine health checkups. As reported by TNN, Rajesh Pillai, principal of Kairali School in Ranchi believes that this initiative will help schools “identify early signs of metabolic issues and guide parents accordingly.”Packaged juices, processed snacks, and energy drinks marketed as “healthy” often contain high amounts of hidden sugars. Sugar Boards aim to decode these products for students, helping them understand what they’re really consuming.Importantly, the project also encourages parental engagement, prompting discussions at home and aligning school and family efforts to build healthier routines.