THE INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL SEXUAL EDUCATION ON GENERATION Z’S AWARENESS OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of digital sexual education on Generation Z’s awareness of reproductive health. The development of information technology has made adolescents and young adults increasingly obtain knowledge about the body, puberty, healthy relationships, prevention of sexual violence, and health services through social media, educational websites, applications, podcasts, and short videos. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with a literature study approach. Data were collected from books, scientific articles, health institution reports, and policy documents relevant to sexual education, reproductive health, digital literacy, and Generation Z behavior. The findings show that digital sexual education has a positive influence on increasing reproductive health awareness when the materials presented are accurate, age-appropriate, ethical, easy to understand, and derived from reliable sources. Digital media helps Generation Z access information that was previously considered taboo, encourages the courage to seek help, strengthens understanding of reproductive organ hygiene, the risks of sexually transmitted infections, consent, personal boundaries, and the importance of healthy communication. However, digital education also has risks, such as the spread of misinformation, age-inappropriate content, commercialization of sexual issues, and low ability to verify sources. Therefore, the roles of teachers, parents, health workers, and digital platforms are necessary to guide critical media use. In conclusion, digital sexual education can become an important strategy for increasing Generation Z’s awareness of reproductive health, as long as it is supported by digital literacy, information curation, guidance, and responsible educational policies. This finding emphasizes that digital space is not a replacement for formal education, but a complement that can reach adolescents quickly, personally, interactively, and relevantly according to their daily communication habits in today’s digital culture in Indonesia.