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Outdoor play makes children healthier. An active lifestyle is particularly important for optimal growth and development of children. Restrictions due to the Corona virus make this more apparent. The professional network 'View Outside' collected the lifestyle consequences for visual, motoric, postural, weight, sleep and psychosocial youth health. We strongly recommend spending two hours a day outdoors, of which a minimum of one hour should be at least moderately intensive exercise. Other lifestyle measures are reducing sedentary behavior, rules on screen use and regular change of activities when sedentary., (© The Author(s) 2021.)

The Dutch Youth Act (2015) has to resolve serious problems among young people, prevent inappropriate medicalisation, and realise efficiency. Participation and empowerment are terms often used. At the moment Dutch youth healthcare doctors monitor children on a regular basis and assess situations based on the national Public Health Status and Forecast Report (PHSF; VTV in Dutch) 'health field' context model. We discuss two children with behavioural problems at school and at home. Based on a detailed analysis and after excluding medical issues, in the first case the youth health care doctor advised participation in a sporting activity for those of limited financial means, and in the second case, the child was not referred for psychiatric consultation as simple adjustments at school were sufficient. The VTV 'health field' context model which Dutch youth health care doctors apply, links medical knowledge with the detection of non-medical issues. This expertise, combined with the knowledge of potential local intervention measures, can result in improved participation at home and at school. It is important that the family physician and other medical specialists recognise this expertise.