Sexual education for adolescents: Knowledge, dialogue and autonomy

Abstract

This study addresses sexual education as an essential tool for promoting the sexual and reproductive health of male adolescents, considering the current scenario of vulnerability of this group to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Brazil. Data from the HIV/AIDS Epidemiological Bulletin (Ministry of Health, 2023) indicate a high incidence of new infections among young men, a reality associated with sociocultural factors linked to traditional masculinity and the difficulty of accessing safe information about sexuality and self-care. The objective of this work was to analyze barriers and challenges that limit adolescents' access to knowledge about their bodies, favoring the development of critical thinking and autonomy to experience sexuality in a healthy and conscious way. To this end, a qualitative bibliographic research was carried out, with a descriptive character, based on the analysis of scientific articles, technical documents and institutional publications, available in databases such as Scielo, Lilacs and Google Scholar. Six materials published between 2019 and 2025, aligned with the theme and objectives of the research, were selected. The content was assessed through critical reading with interpretative synthesis, allowing information to be consolidated in a structured manner. The results highlight the need for continuous and integrated educational actions that address biological, emotional, social and ethical aspects of sexuality, including topics such as intimate hygiene, consent and condom use. It is concluded that the articulation between health, education and social assistance is essential for strengthening prevention strategies and for building welcoming spaces for dialogue that promote respect and autonomy among young people in caring for their sexual and reproductive health.