(105) Sexual and Reproductive Health Education for Adolescents: Opportunities and Challenges in the Social Media Era

Background: Adolescence is a crucial stage involving significant physiological and social changes, including the exploration of sexuality. Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education empowers adolescents to make informed decisions, reducing risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.
Traditionally, SRH education has been provided through school programs. However, barriers such as cultural stigmas hinder access to reliable information. Consequently, social media has emerged as an alternative source for adolescents seeking guidance. With 95% of teenagers having smartphone access and 45% online, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges.
While social media enhances access to information, it also exposes adolescents to misinformation. Many influencers share SRH content without qualifications, complicating adolescents' ability to identify trustworthy sources. This study explores the opportunities and challenges of social media for SRH education.

Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining a literature review and content analysis of social media platforms.
A systematic review assessed research on the influence of social media on adolescents' SRH knowledge and behaviors, using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. The review focused on peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2023.
A content analysis of 200 SRH-related posts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube was performed. Posts were categorized into educational content, influencer-generated content, and user-generated content. Key variables included content type, engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments), and information accuracy

Results: Access to Information
Social media has become a primary source of SRH information, with nearly 70% of adolescents seeking information through these platforms. High engagement on posts about contraception and STIs indicates significant interest in SRH topics.
Misinformation
Approximately 30% of analyzed posts contained misleading information regarding contraceptives and STIs. Influencers' posts often received higher engagement than those by healthcare professionals, raising concerns about the accuracy of shared information.

Conclusions: Social media presents both opportunities and challenges for adolescent SRH education. To effectively harness its potential, collaboration among healthcare professionals, educators, and influencers is essential. Initiatives should promote digital literacy skills, enabling adolescents to critically evaluate online content. Integrating social media with traditional educational frameworks is crucial for equipping adolescents with the knowledge and tools for informed decision-making regarding their sexual and reproductive health