Sexual health in the era of artificial intelligence and its implications on children and adolescents

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for sexual health, particularly concerning children and adolescents. This commentary explores the multifaceted implications of AI in this sensitive domain, examining its potential in sexual health education, prevention of sexual risks, and the provision of support, while also critically analyzing the ethical considerations, potential harms, and the crucial role of parents and educators. AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and personalized learning platforms, offer novel avenues for delivering accessible and destigmatized sexual health information. However, the same technologies also introduce risks related to privacy, data security, exposure to harmful content, and the erosion of human connection and critical thinking. This paper delves into these complex dynamics, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of developmental vulnerabilities, ethical guidelines, and robust safeguarding mechanisms to ensure that AI serves to protect and empower young people rather than expose them to new forms of harm in the realm of sexual health.