Fighting the sweet menace in schools

Ignoring children’s diet means neglecting their future. Schools have a major role in fixing this, writes P John J Kennedy

In a landmark move to safeguard children’s health in India, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated affiliated schools to set up “sugar boards.” These are not decision-making committees but educational displays intended to create awareness about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption.

At first glance, this might seem like a small step. In reality, it signals a much-needed cultural shift - one that pushes schools to move beyond academics and take holistic responsibility for students’ physical and mental well-being. And frankly, it couldn’t have come sooner. This is an initiative that should be emulated in all educational institutions.

A generation at risk

Type 2 diabetes was once considered an adult-onset disease, the result of years of poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles. However, today, children as young as ten are being diagnosed with this chronic condition, a troubling trend that has surged over the past decade.

According to CBSE’s recent advisory, this spike is “largely attributed to high sugar intake,” worsened by the easy availability of sugary snacks, processed foods, and sweetened beverages, especially within school premises. The numbers are alarming. Children between 4 and 18 consume 2 to 3 times the recommended amount of sugar.

Health experts recommend that added sugar should account for no more than 5% of daily calories. Yet, Indian children average 13-15%. It must be understood that excess sugar doesn’t just increase diabetes risk. It fuels childhood obesity, tooth decay, metabolic disorders, and energy crashes, all of which directly impact focus, behaviour, and academic performance.

Choices are structural

Choosing a candy bar over an apple might seem like a personal decision, but the environment often shapes it. When school canteens stock soft drinks, chips, and sugary pastries, students are encouraged to prioritise convenience over nutrition. This is where schools must step in, not just with lessons, but also with structural changes. 

Health education shouldn’t be confined to a textbook chapter. It must permeate the entire school ecosystem, from canteen menus and vending machines to event catering and hallway displays. CBSE’s “sugar boards” are a start, offering data on daily sugar limits, hidden sugars in snacks, and healthier alternatives. However, remember that this is just the first step.

What should be done

All educational institutions, from elementary schools to universities, must take steps to promote healthy eating habits. When awareness is achieved in school, it helps immensely. Therefore:

Schools should ban junk food on campus. This means removing high-sugar, high-fat, and ultra-processed foods from canteens and replacing them with fresh fruits, nuts, whole grains, and traditional healthy snacks. 

Healthy eating should be made visible and engaging. Schools can raise awareness by using infographics, student-made posters, and interactive sugar boards. Initiatives such as healthy cooking competitions, “fruit-and-nut days,” or smoothie-making workshops can make nutrition more enjoyable.

Experiential learning should be prioritised. Nutrition label reading can be integrated into biology or home science classes. Inviting dieticians, doctors, and fitness experts for interactive sessions adds credibility and real-world relevance.

Student leadership should be encouraged. Forming student-led “Nutrition Clubs” can drive peer influence, as children often listen to friends more than adults. Empowering students to lead health campaigns promotes ownership and lasting change.

Regular health audits should be conducted regularly. Schools can partner with local health departments or NGOs to review canteen food quality and conduct BMI checks in a non-stigmatising manner. Maintaining health records helps track progress and identify areas needing improvement.

Parental involvement is crucial. Hosting workshops on lunchbox planning, sugar risks, and label reading can educate parents, many of whom unknowingly pack sugar-laden snacks. When parents and schools work together, healthier habits extend beyond the classroom.

Strict food standards must be enforced. All educational institutions should ensure that their on-campus eateries adhere to FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) guidelines and conduct regular kitchen inspections to maintain high-quality standards. Clear policies and accountability mechanisms are essential for long-term success.

Schools are not just academic hubs, but also moral institutions that shape future generations. A child’s school years are critical for physical and cognitive development. Ignoring their diet means neglecting their future. The CBSE’s directive, therefore, is a wake-up call. If schools allow unhealthy eating habits to thrive on their watch, they become complicit in the health crises that follow. But if they act boldly and compassionately, they can transform campuses into havens of well-being, raising a healthier, sharper, and happier generation.

(The author is a former professor and dean at a university in Bengaluru)