Privacy rights versus surveillance, challenges of sex education in the digital age: an exploratory qualitative study in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND

Sexual health education has been globally recognized as one of the preventive factors in sexual violence prevention. Online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) has emerged as a form of sexual violence against children facilitated by electronic media. This study aims to explore the experiences of parents, teachers, and public health center staff in providing sex education as a means of preventing OCSEA.

METHODS

An interpretative qualitative exploratory study was conducted on 32 participants selected by purposive sampling (10 parents of students, 16 school officials, 5 public health center officials, and 1 gender and family academics). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants, and three focus group discussions were held with 17 participants from April to July 2025 in Bengkulu City, Indonesia. The interview guide was adapted from the health promotion model and school health promotion, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes with thirteen sub-themes were identified: 1) parenting dilemmas, 2) OCSEA as an iceberg phenomenon, 3) Preventive measures required, and 4) the importance of government and community support.

CONCLUSION

Protecting children from OCSEA requires the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education integrated into the school curriculum in Indonesia. This study can be used as material for further studies related to OCSEA prevention interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.