CBSE Asks School to Establish "Sugar Board" to Stop Consuming Sugar Consumption

CBSE Addresses Rise in Childhood Diabetes with "Sugar Boards"

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is taking action against the alarming increase in childhood diabetes by mandating schools to implement "Sugar Boards." These boards aim to educate students about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption.

The "Sugar Boards" are meant to serve as teaching resources, educating pupils about the harmful health implications of consuming excessive amounts of sugar. The long-term social burden of chronic diseases like diabetes may be lessened by this CBSE action, which emphasizes the value of early intervention and health literacy in promoting better habits from an early age. It shows that educational institutions are becoming more aware of their responsibility to support students' overall wellbeing in addition to their academic success.

CBSE Board News: What's in the Circular?

A circular issued by CBSE on Wednesday, May 14, outlines the essential information to be displayed on these "Sugar Boards." This includes:

• Recommended daily sugar intake.
• Sugar content in common foods like junk food and cold drinks.
• Health risks associated with overconsumption of sugar.
• Healthier dietary alternatives.
• Reasons for the Concern

The circular sent to school administrators highlights that the primary cause for this concerning trend is high sugar intake, often linked to the easy availability of processed foods, sugary snacks, and soft drinks within school premises. The Board emphasizes that excessive sugar consumption increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, and other metabolic issues, negatively impacting children's health and academic performance.

CBSE School News: Research Findings Cited

CBSE's concerns are backed by research indicating that children aged 4-10 derive over 13% of their daily calories from sugar, while those aged 11-18 consume almost 15%. Both figures significantly exceed the recommended daily maximum of 5%. The widespread availability of sugar-rich foods and beverages in schools is identified as a major contributor to this overconsumption.

CBSE sugar Consumption Board: Prompted by NCPCR

This initiative by the CBSE was prompted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), an independent organization dedicated to safeguarding children's rights, especially those of the most vulnerable.Schools are now required to install "sugar boards" that display information to raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive sugar consumption.