Sexual Health on Television: New Framing of Sexual Health Issues in Netflix’s Sex Education

Abstract

Television drama series have the potential to create awareness about sexual health problems and solutions. This study deployed a qualitative analysis of framing to understand how the Netflix show Sex Education framed sexual health concerns. Findings indicate that some sexual health concerns were depicted in the context of teaching sexual responsibility and destigmatizing processes such as seeking information or coming out as LGBTQ+. The show also portrayed the negative consequences of sexual violence and how people might choose to seek help related to sexual trauma. Overall, this study discusses how Sex Education frames sexual health issues in both expected and novel ways compared to those previously explored in public interest communications research.