Percepções Docentes: Os Desafios da Educação Sexual nas Escolas Públicas de Ensino Médio de Uruçuí-Pi

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions and challenges faced by public high school teachers in the city of Uruçuí-PI regarding the approach to sex education. The research has a quali-quantitative and exploratory nature, using structured questionnaires applied to five public school teachers as a data collection procedure. The results indicate that, although most teachers have a degree in Biological Sciences, 60% did not take specific courses on sexuality during their undergraduate studies and seek to fill this gap through an interest in continuing education. It was identified that the classroom approach occurs predominantly on an occasional basis (80%), focusing mainly on biological aspects and the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and early pregnancy. The main barriers identified include the lack of adequate teaching materials, the absence of a structured curriculum, and the fear of negative reactions from guardians. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to formalize curricular guidelines and promote greater integration between school and family sothat sex education transcends the biological bias and achieves a more effective sociocultural and preventive dimension.