biostudies-literatureUnknown9(1)Guo R<h4>Background</h4>Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education is crucial for adolescents aged 10-17 years, yet its effectiveness in this age group has not been quantified in prior meta-analyses. This study aims to address that gap.<h4>Objective</h4>The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of web-based SRH education for adolescents aged 10-17 years and (2) explore potential factors influencing intervention effectiveness by synthesising study characteristics, including study design, theoretical foundation, implementation approach and follow-up duration.<h4>Data sources</h4>We searched PubMed and Web of Science from database construction to October 2023.<h4>Eligibility criteria</h4>This review included randomised controlled trials of web-based SRH education for adolescents aged 10-17 years.<h4>Study appraisal and synthesis methods</h4>Data were extracted and examined by two researchers. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool assessed the risk of bias. Analyses were divided into three groups, employing meta-analytic methodologies.<h4>Results</h4>11 articles involving 7876 participants were analysed. This study revealed a moderate effect on knowledge (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.59, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.94)), a low effect on attitudes (SMD 0.16, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.22) and a moderate effect on sexual behaviour (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.94), with no significant effect on self-efficacy. Comparisons between web-based and traditional face-to-face SRH education were inconclusive due to limited studies and methodological heterogeneity.<h4>Limitations</h4>The overall certainty of evidence is limited by risk of bias, high heterogeneity and the use of only two databases, which suggests that the findings should be interpreted with caution.<h4>Conclusions and implications of key findings</h4>Web-based SRH education has potential in enhancing adolescents' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Future research must adhere to recognised reporting standards, thereby ensuring methodological consistency and enhancing the quality of evidence.<h4>Prospero registration number</h4>CRD42023400504.BMJ paediatrics opene003714https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12581069biostudies-literatureWeb-based sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents aged 10-17 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.PMC12581069Xie HZhao WGuo RWang JfalseWeb-based sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents aged 10-17 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.<h4>Background</h4>Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education is crucial for adolescents aged 10-17 years, yet its effectiveness in this age group has not been quantified in prior meta-analyses. This study aims to address that gap.<h4>Objective</h4>The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of web-based SRH education for adolescents aged 10-17 years and (2) explore potential factors influencing intervention effectiveness by synthesising study characteristics, including study design, theoretical foundation, implementation approach and follow-up duration.<h4>Data sources</h4>We searched PubMed and Web of Science from database construction to October 2023.<h4>Eligibility criteria</h4>This review included randomised controlled trials of web-based SRH education for adolescents aged 10-17 years.<h4>Study appraisal and synthesis methods</h4>Data were extracted and examined by two researchers. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool assessed the risk of bias. Analyses were divided into three groups, employing meta-analytic methodologies.<h4>Results</h4>11 articles involving 7876 participants were analysed. This study revealed a moderate effect on knowledge (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.59, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.94)), a low effect on attitudes (SMD 0.16, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.22) and a moderate effect on sexual behaviour (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.94), with no significant effect on self-efficacy. Comparisons between web-based and traditional face-to-face SRH education were inconclusive due to limited studies and methodological heterogeneity.<h4>Limitations</h4>The overall certainty of evidence is limited by risk of bias, high heterogeneity and the use of only two databases, which suggests that the findings should be interpreted with caution.<h4>Conclusions and implications of key findings</h4>Web-based SRH education has potential in enhancing adolescents' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Future research must adhere to recognised reporting standards, thereby ensuring methodological consistency and enhancing the quality of evidence.<h4>Prospero registration number</h4>CRD42023400504.2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Oct2026-06-05T10:30:45.02Z2026-05-16T03:07:43.163ZS-EPMC125810694117633010.1136/bmjpo-2025-003714