Body autonomy and boundaries start with education, and one teacher has turned a tough topic into a catchy classroom song kids can remember.
Otjiwarongo, Namibia (14 August 2025) – Body autonomy and boundaries start with education. One Southern African teacher, Gelda Waterboer, has taken it into her own hands by turning a big, important lesson into a 51-second tune her learners can remember (and repeat).
On TikTok, where the clip has now been viewed more than 45 million times, Gelda stands at the front of her class and leads a calm, confident call-and-response about safety and speaking up. The learners echo every line.
“These are my private parts, private parts, private parts, these are my private parts no-one should touch them, no-one should see them.”
“And if you touch my private parts, private parts, I will tell my mother, I will tell my father, I will tell my teacher.”
@gelda_waterboer♬ original sound – Gelda Waterboer
The internet noticed the balance she strikes. Firm enough to be taken seriously, gentle enough for little ears.
One commenter put it simply: “The teacher isn’t showing aggression, she’s emphasising how children should be angry if anyone tried to touch [them] and they will tell their mother and father and teacher. She’s right to teach them to be angry should any deplorable creature touch them,” says Rosie Lee.
Gelda explains the ‘why’ behind the now-viral song.
“As we continue to read horrible news everyday, it is very important they know that their voice matters.”
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“Teaching our children to say ‘no’ is not just about manners – it’s about protection. Every child must know that their body belongs to them, and no one has the right to touch them in a way that feels wrong or uncomfortable. It is our responsibility as adults, parents, and educators to create a safe space where children feel confident to
speak up,” says Gelda.
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Giving children clear, age-appropriate words so setting boundaries (and asking for help) feels doable.
Many little ones don’t yet have the language or the confidence to speak up; a tiny classroom ritual like this turns a scary idea into something practical: my body is mine; these are the people I can tell.
“Let’s teach them early: If someone touches you in a strange way – tell a trusted adult immediately. You are not in trouble. You are not alone. You will be heard. Empowerment starts with education- and safety begins with a strong voice that knows when to say no!”
More of this! More teachers finding child-friendly ways to teach big, brave ideas. When we give children strong words, we give them protection, and that’s really something worth singing about.
Sources: Linked above.
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