The effect of telenovelas on teen sex education in Benin

In Africa, and especially in Benin, in the commune of Abomey-Calavi, parents consider the question of sexuality to be a taboo. For them, talking about it with teenagers means inciting them to deprave African habits and customs. However, some television programs, including Western films, have made sexuality a public topic that can be discussed anywhere, at any time, and with anyone, regardless of gender or age. The question is how Western television movies influence the sexual practices of adolescents. We adopted a qualitative research approach. Thus, three actors were identified: adolescents aged 12 to 18, parents and resource persons. The techniques (documentary research, observation, individual interviews and focus groups) and data collection tools (observation grid and interview guide) were used for these actors. The results obtained indicate that there is a lack of parental authority in the family circle.