Specialists point out: children's and adolescents' physical and psychological health has been worsening in recent years, and the pandemic and lockdown that struck the world have made this situation even worse. What main challenges has lockdown left behind, and how do we tackle them?

Children's lack of physical activity – unavoidable problems in the future.

According to 2019–2020 data, it was found that more than a fifth of pupils aged 7–17 are overweight. The most excess weight was noticed in the 11–13 age group. This data was collected before lockdown: during the pandemic the situation only worsened.

To avoid excess weight, children and adolescents need daily intensive physical activity lasting no less than 60 minutes. It's especially important to develop agility, flexibility, endurance and strength. Of course, a daily walk and being in fresh air are also very significant.

Sport must become an inseparable part of daily routine in every family. This ensures good metabolism, correct posture and a strengthened spine. Healthy-lifestyle habits formed in childhood will help avoid health problems in the future. Moreover, regular physical activity improves the emotional state and mental activity, reduces stress levels and even improves children's academic achievements and increases self-esteem.

Lockdown's challenges to psychological wellbeing.

Routine and social interaction are very important for children and adolescents. It's a natural part of development. Unfortunately, the pandemic that began greatly harmed children's socialisation. The latest data shows that more than half of children aged 6–14 feel the consequences of a worsened emotional state. Medics are seeing increased numbers of young patients due to worsened psychological wellbeing. Unfortunately, during lockdown many children couldn't get proper help: remote consultations don't always help.

Parents are advised to watch their offspring's wellbeing very carefully and to ensure a balanced amount of time devoted to study and leisure. Full food and good sleep, and parents' love and care, are the first steps towards a child's good wellbeing. It's important not to be afraid to turn to specialists if a child is sad, withdrawn, sleeping or eating poorly. At a young age many psychological problems are easily solved – the main thing is not to let them go unattended.