The impact of digital media on adolescent sexual health education and knowledge building

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.