Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the association between life skills (self-awareness (SA)) and risky sexual behaviours among adolescents in primary schools. It was thought so because a larger number of adolescents engage in risky sexual behaviours and life skills were among the preventive measures. Design/methodology/approach: This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 primary school adolescents aged 10-16 years, enrolled in classes V, VI and VII in Dar es Salaam. Respondents were selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques from a population of 745,299 pupils, with the sample size determined by Yamane's (1967) formula at a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error. Data were collected using the Life Skills Assessment Scale developed by Subasree and Radhakrishnan (2014), which has a reported reliability coefficient of a = 0.84, along with items assessing sexual behaviour. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Dar es Salaam and permissions from the regional and district administrative secretaries, ward education officers, school heads and adolescents. Findings: Results showed that 5.3% had engaged in sex, 2.8% had multiple sexual partners and only 1.8% had used condoms, primarily among adolescents aged 10-14, indicating early sexual debut. Most adolescents had medium SA levels (67.8%), while 18.3% had high and 14% had low levels. An independent t-test showed no significant gender difference in SA (t (398) = -0.62, p = 0.538), but ANOVA revealed significant differences across age groups (F (2,397) = 7.79, p = 0.000), not class levels (F (2,397) = 2.54, p = 0.080). Chi-square tests showed no association between SA levels and risky sexual behaviours but significant links between gender and sex (p = 0.044), condom use (p = 0.008) and age and sex (p = 0.017). Research limitations/implications: The findings of this study have significant implications for adolescent sexual health education and intervention strategies in Tanzania. The lack of significant associations between SA levels and risky sexual behaviours, such as having ever had sex, having multiple sexual partners and condom use, suggests that SA alone may not be sufficient in influencing adolescents' sexual behaviours. This points to the need for a more comprehensive approach to sexual education that incorporates multiple psychosocial factors, including peer influence, family dynamics and socio-economic conditions. Notably, the study revealed early sexual debut, with adolescents as young as 10-12 years reporting sexual activity, which underscores the urgency of addressing sexual health issues at younger ages. Early sexual initiation increases the risk of unprotected sex, unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is compounded by the finding that a small number of adolescents (7 in total) reported condom use, which further emphasizes the lack of awareness or accessibility to safe sex practices among Tanzanian adolescents. The study also revealed that a few adolescents had multiple sexual partners, reinforcing the need for targeted interventions to prevent such risky behaviours. In comparison to adolescents in other countries, Tanzanian adolescents face unique challenges due to cultural norms, social taboos and limited access to comprehensive sexual health education. Thus, there is a need for early intervention programs that integrate life skills alongside formal education about sexual health. The lack of significant association between SA and risky sexual behaviours further suggests that other factors, such as social influences and peer relationships, should also be incorporated into interventions. Practical implications: This study underscores the importance of early intervention through life skills education to prevent risky sexual behaviours among adolescents. Given that a small but significant proportion of adolescents, especially those aged 10-14, engage in sexual activities, integrating comprehensive sexual health education into the school curriculum is essential. By focusing on SA, decision-making and critical thinking skills, adolescents can be better equipped to navigate the pressures of early sexual experiences. Additionally, the study highlights the need for tailored interventions that address age and gender-specific challenges, ensuring that both boys and girls, particularly those at higher risk, have access to appropriate sexual health resources and guidance. Practical steps include improving the accessibility of sexual health education materials, increasing the availability of condoms and other preventive resources and training educators to provide accurate and culturally sensitive information. Social implications: Socially, the study emphasizes the need to shift societal norms and increase community engagement in conversations about sexual health. In Tanzania, where cultural taboos often limit open discussions on sexual issues, fostering a more open environment is crucial. Engaging parents, teachers and community leaders in dialogues about adolescent sexual health can help dismantle these barriers and create supportive networks for young people. By promoting SA and healthier decision-making, the study can contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding adolescent sexuality and encourage more informed, respectful and responsible behaviours. Ultimately, this study highlights the social responsibility of communities, families and policymakers in protecting young people from the negative consequences of early sexual debut, such as unintended pregnancies, HIV infections and school dropouts. Originality/value: This study makes a valuable contribution to the field of adolescent sexual health, particularly in the Tanzanian context, by examining the relationship between SA and risky sexual behaviours, including multiple sexual partners and condom use. This study is unique in its exploration of Tanzanian adolescents since limited data exists regarding the role of SA in adolescent sexual health within this specific context. The originality of this study lies in its exploration of how SA interacts with other variables such as age, gender and class level to influence sexual behaviours. The findings are crucial because they reveal the relatively low use of condoms (only seven reported cases) and the presence of multiple sexual partners among adolescents, behaviours that are often associated with increased risks of STIs and unintended pregnancies. The study contributes to the global conversation on adolescent sexual health by revealing the complex relationship between SA and risky sexual behaviours, underscoring that SA alone may not be sufficient to mitigate risky sexual behaviour without comprehensive and contextually relevant educational interventions.