HITN Media, through its preschool streaming platform Edye and wellness brand Vida y Salud, will air a townhall titled Los niños y el tiempo en pantalla (Children and Screen Time) on Sunday, September 13 at 8:00 pm EDT/PDT on HITN TV. The program, also available for free on HITNGO, addresses one of the most complex challenges of modern parenting: the relationship between preschoolers and electronic devices. This initiative matters because it provides Spanish-speaking families with clear, evidence-based information that is guilt-free, helping them navigate screen time without turning technology into a constant source of conflict.
Hosted by journalist Nathalia Ortiz, the townhall features developmental and behavioral pediatrician Dr. Nidsy Mejía Roque and pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Fernanda Lucchese-Lobato. It includes insights from Dr. Thresia Gambon, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); Matías Dodel, PhD, professor at the Catholic University of Uruguay; and Lina Acosta Sandaal, a development expert and psychotherapist. In-person surveys conducted by parenting blogger Mariela Irala add real-world perspectives. The program asks key questions: Is it just about screen time, or does content matter too? How do viewing habits and whether children are alone or accompanied shape their experience? What activities and relationships get displaced? When should adults step in, and how can limits be set without conflict?
At the heart of the discussion are the American Academy of Pediatrics digital media guidelines, which encourage families to reflect on the quality and context of digital experiences rather than focusing solely on the number of minutes. Guillermo Sierra, EVP and Head at HITN Media, stated, "This issue is urgent and highly relevant to our Latino audiences: the trends we see in the United States often set the tone globally, and parents need to be empowered with clear, evidence-based information that is guilt free." He added that both Vida y Salud and Edye follow AAP recommendations and work alongside parents and caregivers to promote a healthy relationship with technology that prioritizes guidance, context, and content quality.
The townhall is the first of many initiatives HITN will roll out on this topic. "We want to lead the movement, initiate a critically important conversation, and empower parents to manage this challenge for the benefit of their children," Sierra added. The program avoids singling out parents, instead offering constructive answers and emphasizing that it's not about being perfect parents, but about being present, staying informed, and building a healthier relationship with technology for both children and adults.
Vida y Salud provides reliable health and wellness content through its digital platform VidaySalud.com and as a programming block on HITN TV. Edye, a Spanish-language preschool content platform, supports this mission with practical resources, quality entertainment, and evidence-based guidance. For more information, visit edye.com and HITN.org. This initiative matters because it equips Hispanic families with tools to make informed decisions about screen time, fostering healthier development and reducing parental guilt in an increasingly digital world.
