Kannur: In a bid to curb rising health risks among children, schools across Kerala will soon install ‘Sugar Boards’ to educate students about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption.

The Director of General Education has issued an order directing all government and aided schools under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to put up these boards before June 30. The initiative comes in view of a growing incidence of type 2 diabetes among schoolchildren. 

Sugar Boards, which visually depict the sugar content in commonly consumed foods and drinks, will be placed in prominent locations such as canteens, dining halls, kitchens, classrooms, and auditoriums. Using relatable comparisons—like sugar cubes or teaspoons—the displays aim to help students understand how much sugar is present in popular snacks and beverages, and the long-term health risks associated with high sugar intake.

Kerala’s decision comes in line with earlier steps taken by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which had already issued guidelines encouraging affiliated schools to install Sugar Boards and promote healthy eating habits through awareness campaigns. Kerala is now formally extending this effort to all schools under the state syllabus.

Along with installing the boards, schools in Kerala are required to organise awareness classes, seminars, and workshops on sugar consumption. Monthly health sessions during school assemblies—led by health experts—will address issues such as balanced diets and lifestyle diseases linked to sugar. Schools have also been directed to maintain photographic and video records of these activities for monitoring and documentation purposes.