Sexual Exploitation Of Children And Adolescents: A Reflection Of The Role Played By Schools

Abstract

This article analyzes the school’s role on tackling the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, based on a study carried out in state schools of Porto Velho - RO, a municipality that in recent years has been suffering from the social consequences of the construction of two hydroelectric power plants on the Madeira River. The research was carried out by means of semi-structured interviews, with the participation of 20 school agents linked to four educational institutions. The analysis of information was carried out in the light of critical references on human rights, education, and psychology, and through the definition of categories and subcategories. The results show that most of the school agents are unaware of the problem and that none of the surveyed schools are actively taking action. Sex education is not seen as a cross-sectional issue and discussions on sexuality are reduced to a focus on risk and victimization, not being understood from a human rights perspective.