Introduction.

Nowadays, sex education in schools and non-formal settings is evident. This type of education has evolved in recent decades in its approach and methodology, with different models coexisting (López Sánchez, 2005).

Objective.

To review and analyze sex education programs for adolescents in different countries and the most representative interventions in Spain.

Analysis.

A systematic review of programs using the model of Barbosa Chacón et al. (2013), in which 16 programs (4 international and 12 national) developed between 1992 and 2016, were analyzed. The bibliographic search was performed in scientific databases and on websites of Official Organizations, Autonomous Communities, entities, and reference working groups.

Results.

Among the main findings, the coexistence of different sex education approaches such as the biographical-professional model, the risk model, the model for abstinence, or the Comprehensive Sex Education stands out, being greater the effectiveness of those programs that address sexuality from a holistic perspective.

Conclusions.

Sex education should be integrated into the curriculum, offering a comprehensive view of sexuality that includes psychosocial aspects, sexual diversity, and gender equality. A rigorous evaluation (quantitative and qualitative) of all the aspects included in the programs is necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of sex education and discover the key issues to its delivery.