Abstinence-Only Sex Education: A Missing Yet Crucial Topic in Digital Media

Abstract

Premarital sex is becoming a major issue for teens in Indonesia. The number of teens involved in premarital sex continues to rise. This behavior has brought problems such as HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, as well as family and psychological problems. Premarital sex results in deep emotional disturbances such as anxiety, stress, and depression, especially in a nation that upholds religious values such as Indonesia. This presents great challenges in achieving the sustainable development goals of good health and well-being, and it hinders the attempt to involve the next generation in building sustainability. Currently, the sex education available in the media is run by influencers who endorse the enjoyment of sex before marriage. This paper will discuss the problems with the current sex education in Indonesia. The research employs a literature study, using journal articles, books, and other publications such as a manual from the United Nations to present the case, along with a media search to provide the background information on sex education in Indonesian media. The findings of this research emphasize the need to provide abstinence-based sex education according to values and character in a digital platform, specifically targeted to young people in