HITN Media is tackling one of the most pressing challenges for modern parents with a new Spanish-language townhall, Los niños y el tiempo en pantalla (Children and Screen Time), which examines the relationship between preschoolers and electronic devices. The program, hosted by journalist Nathalia Ortiz, brings together pediatric specialists and researchers to offer practical, evidence-based guidance for Hispanic families. It airs on Sunday, September 13 at 8:00pm EDT/PDT on HITN TV and will be available for free on HITNGO.
The townhall features Dr. Nidsy Mejía Roque, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, and Dr. Fernanda Lucchese-Lobato, a pediatric neuropsychologist, who discuss expert testimonials and in-person surveys. Additional insights come 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 founder of Stop Parenting Alone. The surveys were conducted by parenting blogger Mariela Irala.
This initiative matters because it addresses a critical gap in resources for Spanish-speaking families. As Guillermo Sierra, EVP and Head at HITN Media, noted, "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." The program avoids blaming parents, instead asking 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 turning technology into a constant source of conflict?
At the heart of the discussion are the AAP digital media guidelines, which encourage families to focus on the quality and context of digital experiences rather than just the number of minutes. This approach is crucial because it shifts the conversation from guilt and restriction to empowerment and balance. By providing this guidance in Spanish, HITN ensures that Hispanic families have access to trusted information that respects their language and culture. The townhall also highlights the importance of parental presence and informed decision-making, reinforcing that it's not about being perfect parents, but about being present and supporting children.
HITN Media, through its brands Vida y Salud and Edye, is uniquely positioned to lead this conversation. Vida y Salud offers health and wellness content via VidaySalud.com and as a programming block on HITN TV, while Edye provides preschool content and resources. As Sierra added, "We want to lead the movement, initiate a critically important conversation, and empower parents to manage this challenge for the benefit of their children." This townhall is the first of many initiatives HITN will roll out on this topic, signaling a long-term commitment to supporting families in navigating the digital landscape.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond a single program. It reflects a growing recognition that screen time is not just a matter of quantity but of quality and context. For Hispanic families, who may face additional barriers to accessing culturally and linguistically relevant resources, this initiative provides a vital tool. By combining expert knowledge with real-world surveys and a guilt-free approach, HITN is helping parents make informed decisions that prioritize their children's development. As screens become increasingly integrated into daily life, such guidance is essential for fostering healthy relationships with technology—for both children and adults.
