HITN Media, through its preschool streaming platform Edye and wellness brand Vida y Salud, will broadcast a Spanish-language townhall titled Los niños y el tiempo en pantalla (Children and Screen Time) on Sunday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT on HITN TV. The program will also be available for free on the HITNGO app, allowing families to watch on demand. Hosted by journalist Nathalia Ortiz, the townhall addresses one of modern parenting's most complex challenges: the relationship between preschoolers and electronic devices.
The discussion features developmental and behavioral pediatrician Dr. Nidsy Mejía Roque and pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Fernanda Lucchese-Lobato. It incorporates 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 psychotherapist and founder of Stop Parenting Alone. In-person surveys conducted by parenting blogger Mariela Irala add real-world perspectives.
Guillermo Sierra, EVP and Head at HITN Media, emphasized the urgency of the topic: “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 noted that both Vida y Salud and Edye follow AAP recommendations and work alongside parents to promote a healthy relationship with technology that prioritizes guidance, context, and content quality without turning screens into a constant source of conflict.
The townhall poses critical 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 turning technology into a constant source of conflict? At the heart of the discussion are the AAP digital media guidelines, which encourage reflection on the quality and context of the digital experience rather than focusing solely on the number of minutes.
Los niños y el tiempo en pantalla aims to empower families to make informed decisions. The message is clear: it’s not about being perfect parents, but about being present, staying informed, supporting children, and building a healthier relationship with technology for both children and adults. This 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,” added Sierra.
The initiative underscores the growing need for culturally relevant, evidence-based resources as screen use among young children continues to rise. By providing practical guidance in Spanish, HITN Media addresses a gap for Hispanic families navigating digital media. The collaboration between Vida y Salud and Edye combines health expertise with child development knowledge, offering a model for how media companies can support families without inducing guilt. This townhall may influence how parents approach screen time, potentially reducing conflict and fostering healthier digital habits. As the first in a series, it signals HITN’s commitment to leading the conversation on children and technology.
