Indian children are high on sugar and screens: Can November 14 be the wake-up call we need?

Children’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the little ones - their dreams, always-inquisitive minds and unwavering innocence. In a world where human virtues are fast eroding, kids assure us that a future dotted with fun, laughter and kindness is still a possibility. As schools across the nation observe this special day with great pomp and show, let’s take a moment to reflect on another important day that also falls on November 14. World Diabetes Day is primarily marked as a global awareness campaign about diabetes, which to everyone’s dismay, is now a major health scare among the young population, thanks to unhealthy food environments and a poor regulatory system.

According to statistics, over 95,000 children under 14 had Type 1 diabetes in 2022, while there’s also been an increase in the number of Type 2 diabetes cases. And that’s not all, UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Global Report 2025 pointed out that obesity is peaking among schoolchildren and adolescents. So, the convergence of Children’s Day and World Diabetes Day triggers an uncomfortable yet necessary question: Are we truly celebrating our children if we’re ignoring their health?

Many would agree that the true meaning of childhood is changing around the world. Screens are replacing playgrounds, home-cooked meals by processed food and digital distractions are reigning over outdoor physical activities. The outcome: childhood obesity and early diabetes are on the rise, requiring parents, educational institutions and government authorities to rethink how they are going to nurture the new generation. 

By 2030, children may constitute 11% of global obesity 

Diabetes was once considered an adult disease, but not anymore. It’s slowly creeping in, especially Type 2 diabetes, which is diagnosed more frequently in children and adolescents. The reason? Lifestyle and modern routines are reshaping childhood. According to UNICEF, India is among the countries witnessing the fastest rise in childhood obesity, with millions of children under 19 being overweight or at high risk.

What’s more concerning is that by 2030, children in the 5-9 age group are expected to comprise 11% of the global burden. From 2015 to 2022, obesity among Indian children has risen from 2.6% to 3.4% - a trend too serious to ignore. These aren’t just numbers, they are giving out warning signs for us to change before it’s too late. 

Also read: World Mental Health Day 2025: Why it’s important to always lend an ear to the child

Swap screentime with outdoor playdates

Parents are the first role models in a child’s life. Thus, they can actively influence their eating habits. In a world full of processed and adulterated food, it’s important for parents to consciously choose nutrient-rich and balanced meals for their kids, as well as encourage them to exercise and practice mindful screen time. The aim is to help children understand that health is a lifelong investment; that sugary drinks and packaged snacks are occasional indulgences, not everyday staples. 

Health experts recommend that children have at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. But due to urban lifestyle, children hardly get a fraction of that. Although the pandemic is behind us now, gadgets and the internet have continued being a means to finish homework and other academic tasks. Involving children in simple household chores, setting clear boundaries for screen time or even planning outdoor playdates can restore the rhythm of movement their bodies need.

Say ‘no’ to sugary snacks, ‘yes’ to nutrient-rich tidbits   

While physical activities and balanced screen time shape children’s health, nutrition plays an equally defining role. Reports by UNICEF highlights how the availability of cheap and calorie-dense food is steadily replacing the traditional home-cooked meals, particularly in urban households where convenience often wins over nutrition. Parents can reverse this trend by keeping fresh fruits, vegetables and wholesome meals accessible and by creating family routines around healthy eating. 

Creating awareness is crucial

Finally, creating awareness is crucial. Parents should be familiar with the early signs of diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or sudden weight loss. If there is a family history or cause for concern, they should also consult a pediatrician. Early detection and intervention can change the course of a child’s health for life.

Also read: UNICEF sounds alarm over childhood obesity; can CBSE’s ‘sugar board’ mandate help ease the crisis?

Schools must act as catalysts for a healthy change

Schools influence young minds a lot more than just academic achievement. They create routines, habits and a lifelong mindset. Research indicates that school food environments have a big influence on kids’ dietary preferences for the rest of their lives. Schools have the chance to make healthy habits the rule rather than an exception, because students spend the majority of their time on campus. A balanced diet and a ban on the sale of sugary drinks and highly processed snacks are crucial and replacing them with fresh juice, fruits and nuts can have a noticeable impact. 

In light of this, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently mandated that schools create ‘sugar awareness boards’ and encourage students to make healthier choices on campus. This move demonstrates the importance of education and health coexisting. In addition to nutrition, the school day must incorporate daily physical activity and health literacy. Together, families and schools can transform health from a subject into a shared culture that preserves the happiness and vitality that Children’s Day is meant to honour.

A collective commitment to health

This Children’s Day, let’s use both the occasions to spark a conversation that goes beyond giving out chocolates in classrooms, and instead raise awareness about preventive care, active living and balanced nutrition. Because a healthy child is not only happy, he or she is also the indicator of a healthy generation. Let November 14 serve as the necessary wake-up call for us to safeguard our children’s future as well as celebrate them.