According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years were above a healthy weight globally in 2022, including 160 million facing significant challenges related to excessive weight gain. Studies have shown a strong link between childhood obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), with many affected children also experiencing weight-related health issues.
In India, Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise among Indian children and adolescents, with an estimated incidence rate of 397 per 100,000 in 2021.
In response to these rising health concerns, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), following recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), has directed all affiliated schools to install ‘Sugar Boards’ by July 15, 2025. The boards aim to visually represent how much sugar is present in commonly consumed snacks and drinks, comparing it with the recommended daily intake. The goal is to increase awareness among children, helping them make healthier food choices by understanding the impact of sugar on their long-term well-being.
Schools step up efforts in food education
Schools across India are actively responding to this directive. M. A. Anitha, vice principal, Jain International Residential School, Bengaluru, shared that they already follow a system where a dining committee, including students, participates in menu planning. “We give the complete information in the menu, including calories, and details if the dish contains gluten, nuts, or dairy. This CBSE initiative is not just about removing sugary items; it’s about making children aware and letting them choose wisely,” she said.
In Chennai, P.S. Senior Secondary School is strategising to align with the CBSE directive while continuing to offer student-friendly options. “We serve sundal and fruits at the canteen, but children still prefer samosas and potato chips,” said Revathy Parameswaran, principal of the school. “So we are thinking of designing a combo where they can get the item they crave along with a healthier option.” She also noted the larger lifestyle problem, “We are living in times where children are not playing outside but staying inside apartments. There’s a lack of physical activity, and that’s where these boards can make a difference”, she said.
KRM Public School in Chennai is also extending its proactive food policy. Sivasakti Balan, principal, noted that the school already provides a cyclic menu with high-protein and nutrient-rich meals for kindergarten students and shares the menu with parents at the beginning of the academic year. “We plan to now expand this model to other classes as well, so there’s a common understanding between the school and home when it comes to food,” he said.
According to Sandeepa Kumar, principal, Ryan International School, Dombivli — the move signals a broader need for nutritional literacy in schools, encouraging classroom discussions, cafeteria reforms, and a focus on balanced diets. She emphasised that it underlines the shared responsibility of educators and parents in nurturing long-term, healthy choices in children.
Orchid International School in Mumbai is also taking a comprehensive approach to the sugar board mandate, combining awareness, student engagement, and parental involvement. The school has installed sugar boards, displayed healthy eating posters, and planned interactive sessions including student-created boards, skits, and debates. “Setting up the sugar board is just the first step — we’re involving students, parents, and even doctors in this learning process,” said Naresh Ramamurthy, national academic head of the school. The school will also run dental camps, track students’ BMI, monitor canteen sales, and share healthy tiffin suggestions with parents, aiming to build lasting awareness around sugar consumption.
Response from parents
Parents too are responding to the move with a mix of optimism and practicality. N. Leelanand, parent of a 10-year-old, says his child’s school no longer allows fizzy drinks or chips in the canteen. “At home, we start the day with fruit, and I ensure my child doesn’t drink any packaged juices or sodas,” he said. “Children need to learn early. If they are told now how much sugar is hidden in even regular food, it’ll help them make better decisions later.”
Bijoya Nair, parent of two teenagers, has tried to replace sugar-rich snacks with healthier home-made options. “I bake jaggery cupcakes, but they still want the store-bought ones,” she said. She pointed out that if children are more educated at school than by parents, there will be better compliance.
Experts call for long-term integrated nutrition literacy
Paediatricians are supporting the initiative, highlighting the extent of sugar’s impact on children’s health. Deepa Easow, senior consultant, paediatrics, MGM healthcare, Chennai, said many parents are unaware of hidden sugar in processed food. “They don’t read labels, and they don’t realise ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, maltose, and dextrose are also sugar. Children suffer from fatigue, mood swings, memory problems, and poor concentration. Many kids also show signs of insulin resistance. This is a good step, but not enough.”
She added, “We need sugar education in the syllabus. Children should learn how to read labels and understand food. They must know that fruit juice is not the same as fruit. That’s where change begins.”
Tejasvi Sheshadri, paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist, paediatric diabetes specialist, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Hebbal, Bengaluru, said she has seen a spike in obesity and early insulin resistance among children post-Covid. “There’s darkening of the neck, increased weight, and early signs of metabolic disorders. Physical activity is still low, and diets are still sugar-heavy. This CBSE mandate could be a turning point”, she said.
Schools have been instructed to set up sugar boards — to display information that educates students about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption. They have also been directed to conduct awareness seminars and workshops on the topic
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Similarly, nutritionists also echo the call for broader, more integrated strategies. Meenakshi Bajaj, a dietician with the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital, welcomed the move but emphasised that the change must go beyond school walls.
“Children can always buy junk from outside the school. What we need is structured nutrition education. We should have a subject on food and eating, with lessons tailored to each age group,” she said. She also urges for fun, child-friendly approaches, “We could have a sugar board game — like snake and ladder — where junk food sends you down and vegetables lift you up. Each step could have fun facts about nutrients. Let’s make health aspirational,” she said.
According to the experts, the Sugar Board initiative is not just about visual charts or banning soft drinks — it’s about building an ecosystem of awareness that includes educators, parents, medical experts, and, most importantly, children themselves. If sustained with creativity, consistency, and community support, this move could fundamentally reshape how Indian children engage with food.
Published – May 25, 2025 12:30 pm IST