Abstract:
Sex education involves teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social
aspects of sexuality, with adolescence recognised as the period when sexuality receives
the most attention. Children typically gain sexual health education through formal and informal
sources such as family, school, peer groups, and digital media. However, in Sri Lanka,
social and cultural factors have limited the effectiveness of family and school-based sexual
health education. Consequently, digital media has emerged as the primary source of sexual
health information for adolescents. This study aimed to examine the impact of digital media on
adolescents’ sexual health education. Employing a mixed-methods research design, data were
collected from a sample of 100 adolescents and 10 school teachers from the Borella Educational
Zone in Colombo District. Quantitative data were gathered via questionnaires administered to
adolescents, while structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted
with teachers and students to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using
SPSS software, and thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Findings revealed that
digital media plays a significant role in adolescents’ acquisition of sexual health knowledge,
contributing more than traditional sources such as family and school. Specifically, 55% of
adolescents reported receiving sexual health education mainly through digital media (55%),
followed by peers (18%), schools (18%), and family (9%). While digital media provides advantages
like easy access to accurate information, privacy and anonymity in learning, opportunities
for discussion, and innovative educational methods, it also presents challenges. These include
exposure to unreliable misinformation, lack of critical evaluation skills, inappropriate content
for adolescents, and increased risks of engaging in unsafe behaviours and experimentation. The
study highlights the gaps in sexual health education provided by families and schools, which
drive adolescents toward digital media for information. Therefore, it underscores the urgent
need for systematic and comprehensive sexual health education delivered through families and
schools to better support adolescent sexual health in Sri Lanka.
