HITN Media, through its preschool streaming platform Edye and wellness platform Vida y Salud, is addressing one of the most pressing challenges of modern parenting with a new Spanish-language townhall titled 'Los niños y el tiempo en pantalla' (Children and Screen Time). The program, which airs on Sunday, September 13 at 8:00pm EDT/PDT on HITN TV and streams for free on HITNGO, offers a practical guide for Hispanic families on managing preschoolers' relationship with electronic devices. This initiative matters because it moves beyond simplistic screen-time rules to consider the quality and context of digital experiences, a shift that aligns with updated American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines and empowers parents to make informed decisions without guilt.
Hosted by journalist Nathalia Ortiz, the townhall features developmental and behavioral pediatrician Dr. Nidsy Mejía Roque and pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Fernanda Lucchese-Lobato. It also includes insights from Dr. Thresia Gambon, spokesperson for the AAP; Matías Dodel, PhD, professor at the Catholic University of Uruguay; and Lina Acosta Sandaal, a development expert and founder of Stop Parenting Alone. On-the-ground surveys conducted by parenting blogger Mariela Irala add real-world perspectives. The discussion 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?
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 added that both Vida y Salud and Edye follow AAP recommendations and continuously work alongside parents and caregivers 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's implications extend beyond a single broadcast. It signals a growing recognition that screen time is not inherently harmful; rather, the content, context, and companionship matter most. By avoiding parent-blaming and offering constructive answers, the program aims to reduce conflict and foster healthier digital habits. This is the first of many initiatives HITN will roll out on this topic, with Sierra stating, 'We want to lead the movement, initiate a critically important conversation, and empower parents to manage this challenge for the benefit of their children.'
Vida y Salud, available at www.vidaysalud.com, provides reliable health and wellness content, including articles, videos, and interactive tools like 'Ask Lisa,' a free AI-powered chat with doctors. Edye, accessible via edye.com and its play platform at play.edye.com, offers premium preschool content curated by experts. Together, these platforms support Spanish-speaking families with trusted resources on health, wellness, and child development. For more information on HITN Media, visit HITN.org or hitn.tv.
As screens become ubiquitous in early childhood, this townhall provides a timely framework for families to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. By focusing on presence over perfection, it encourages parents to stay informed, support their children, and build a healthier relationship with technology—for both children and adults.
