CHALLENGES AND POSSIBILITIES OF SEXUAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial period of development,  where sex education plays a fundamental role. However, there are challenges in approaching this subject, including family taboos and a lack of preparation on the part of educators. This study aims to understand the implications of sexuality instruction in schools, explore the elements related to this context and present a comprehensive view of the subject. The methodology employed consisted of a literature review in a database, selecting nine articles between 2019 and 2021 for analysis. This process involved a pre-analysis stage, followed by thorough exploration of the materials and treatment of the results obtained. As a result of the research, it was noted that the absence of a comprehensive approach to sex education in schools reveals gaps in the preparation of educators and in the curriculum structure, reflecting challenges in promoting adequate sexual and reproductive health among adolescents. It was therefore concluded that sex education faces challenges in various contexts, such as the lack of dialog between parents and children, the scarcity of time dedicated to the subject in schools and the low demand for sexual guidance in the health area. These gaps highlight the urgency of spaces for discussion and guidance to improve the quality of life of adolescents and their families.