Educação sexual e puberdade: manual informativo para alunos do ensino médio

Abstract

This study addresses the relevance of sexual education as a mechanism of individual empowerment, prevention of teenage pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The study also approaches the impact in the promotion of health, including aspects like affection, pleasure, healthy relationships, self-care and gender equity. In this study we explored the obstacles that prevent an effective implementation of sexual education in Brazil, while highlighting the lack of adequate teacher training, of proper teaching materials and of a broad view of sexuality, often limited by traditional and conservative views. The creation of educational materials based on scientific studies and adapted to the teenage public could improve significantly sexual education, raise their interest and promote changes in perspective. In this context, we accentuate the urgent necessity of resources that not only approach biological aspects but that also promote self-care and gender diversity. The objective of this research was to develop a Sexual Educational manual for high school students targeting the promotion of their health and self-care. The manual was developed with inclusive and accessible language while considering the teenagers specific needs, including the LGBTQIA+ youths. After qualitative research which combined a vast bibliographic review and the content analysis of nine booklets and informational materials on sexual education, the results showed that the analyzed booklets prioritized biological themes, adopted a normative approach, neglected diversity, limited language and reinforced inequalities. Given this scenario, a manual was developed that included sexual education in a comprehensive, informative, preventive, inclusive and respectful manner, approaching themes of biological, psychosocial, affective and relational issues associated with sexuality. The manual also transmits accurate and recent scientific knowledge, promotes sexual and reproductive health, values the diversity of gender identities and expressions, combats discrimination and values sexual diversity.