Introduction: In the last 50 years there has been an increase in the sexual activity of children and adolescents, with a consequent increase in the number of pregnancies and the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Objective: To analyze in the national literature of the last 5 years aspects related to some challenges and potential of sex education actions in schools. Method: A literature review was carried out. Results: The development of sex education practices in schools began in the 20th century, focusing on epidemiological control, where there were only hygienic religious discussions as a public health strategy. Conclusion: Changes in society and feminist movements have stimulated debates, such as, for example, on the topic of sexual education, bringing to the daily routine the relevance of working on this issue. In this sense, more research needs to be done and the data deserve to be analyzed, so that they do not only serve as epidemiological knowledge, but also to work on what they themselves reveal.