“These Are My Private Parts”: Teacher’s Song for Kids Goes Viral with a Message the World Needed to Hear

A 51-second classroom moment has become a rallying cry for child protection everywhere

It started in a Namibian classroom. Just a teacher, her pupils, and a simple, rhythmic message. Now, it’s been viewed more than 40 million times in three days.

The woman behind the now-viral moment is Gelda Waterboer, a teacher who took to TikTok to share a short but striking safety anthem for her learners: “The Private Parts Song for Kids.” And what began as a local classroom exercise has exploded into a global conversation on the importance of teaching body autonomy to children.

In the clip, Waterboer gently sings:
“These are my private parts, private parts, private parts; these are my private parts. No one should touch them; no one should see them.”
Her students echo back, clear and confident.

Then the tone shifts slightly, firmer, with purpose:
“And if you touch my private parts, private parts, I will tell my mother, I will tell my father, and I will tell my teacher.”

The message is bold. Honest. And painfully necessary.

A World That Needs This Message

In her video caption, Waterboer says what many have thought for years but may not have known how to say out loud: “As we continue to read horrible news every day, it is very important they know that their voice matters.”

And clearly, the world agrees.

TikTok users from across the globe have flooded the comments with support and admiration. “Well done. This should be sung in every school so kids don’t hold it in. Bless you,” wrote @CillaNinja17. Another user, simply named T.P., added, “She’s what you call an excellent teacher.”

Others, while applauding the song’s value, shared a deeper sadness. “It breaks my heart that this needs to be done in schools. This world is so fallen,” wrote one commenter. “But I am very grateful to this teacher. I hope that this catches on and every school, everywhere, does this. Keep the kids safe, people.”

Why It’s More Than Just a Song

The virality of Waterboer’s clip is not just about the catchy tune or the adorable echo of children’s voices. It’s about the heavy truth behind it: the world has changed, and children need tools to protect themselves.

In South Africa, as in many parts of the world, stories of abuse still make daily headlines. And while many parents and teachers wish to shield young children from such harsh realities, Waterboer’s song is a reminder that education is protection. That giving kids the words to describe and defend their boundaries is a powerful first step.

A Lesson That Sticks

What makes the “Private Parts Song” so effective is its simplicity. No jargon. No fear. Just words children understand and can repeat. It’s the kind of teaching moment that stays with a child for life.

And while some may find the topic uncomfortable, Waterboer’s viral moment has proven that it’s possible to talk about tough subjects in age-appropriate, empowering ways.

For now, it seems the world is ready to listen.

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: BuzzFeed