Nearly 42 Million People Have Watched This First Grade Teacher's Bold Approach To Body Boundaries, And Sexual Abuse Survivors Are Calling It Essential

Yahoo

2 days ago

NOTE: This post contains conversations around sexual abuse.
A first-grade teacher named Mrs. Gelda Waterboer is currently going mega viral for how she is teaching her students about body boundaries.
Gelda is teaching her students by song. A TikTok of her passionately singing the song in her classroom — where you can hear her students singing along in the background — has gone viral on the platform.
"These are my private parts, private parts, private parts," she sings, motioning to her chest, crotch, and behind.
@gelda_waterboer / tiktok.com
The song continues, "These are my private parts, private parts, private parts. No one should touch them. No one should squeeze them. And if you touch my private parts, private parts, private parts, I will tell my mother. I will tell my father. I will tell my teacher," Gelda repeats the lyrics of the song with her students once more in her video that has been viewed nearly 42 million times.
You can watch the full song here.
One thing people immediately noticed was Gelda's intense delivery of the song...
Which she was quickly applauded for, because she put so much intention behind it.
People also praised the song for being something that young children can quickly pick up on and recollect if needed.
BuzzFeed spoke to Gelda, who has been teaching for nine years. She said teaching is not just her job, it is her calling. "For me, teaching is not only about ABCs and 123s — it's also about raising children who are aware, confident, and safe. My classroom is a space where learning meets safety, love, and trust. The viral TikTok moment was unexpected, but it showed me that this message resonates far and wide. If one song can empower one child to speak up, then I know I'm making a difference. I hope more teachers, parents, and communities embrace these conversations early, so that every child grows up knowing their worth and their right to safety," she said.
When Gelda first heard the private parts song on YouTube a few years ago, it struck her deeply. "It wasn't just catchy — it was a powerful tool for teaching children about their own boundaries and safety in a way they could understand. Because of my own childhood experiences, I know what it feels like to be hurt by people you trust and to feel like there is no one you can talk to. I promised myself that every child who comes through my classroom would learn that their voice matters, that their body belongs to them, and that it's always okay to speak up," she said.
Here is the original YouTube song she sings in her TikTok.
And that is why Gelda said she sings the song with so much intention. "It is personal for me — it's more than just a lesson, it's a life skill. Many children are unaware of their right to say 'no' or to tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong. This song opens the door to that conversation in a way that's safe, engaging, and memorable. My goal is to equip my students with confidence and the courage to protect themselves, both now and in the future."
The responses from the parents of her students have been overwhelmingly positive, too. "Many parents thanked me for introducing such an important topic in a way that children can relate to. Some have even told me that their children went home and shared the song with siblings and friends, meaning the message is spreading beyond the classroom."
And despite some arguments in the comments saying that first graders are "too young," Gelda's song is supported by substantial research and evidence showing that children aged 3 to 5 should be taught about body autonomy.
Studies indicate that using proper names for body parts helps children develop awareness and confidence. Furthermore, introducing simple concepts like "safe touch" versus "unsafe touch," along with encouraging kids to speak up — even about difficult feelings — helps parents establish a foundation of trust, open communication, and early abuse prevention.
So, ultimately, early education on body safety helps protect children by giving them the tools and confidence to advocate for themselves.
Globally, an estimated one in five girls (18.9%) and one in seven boys (14.8%) experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18, according to 2023 data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). In the United States, studies show that Black girls face disproportionately higher rates of sexual abuse, with some research indicating they are over three times more likely to be sexually abused than white girls.
That is why Gelda is continuing to create important conversations on her page to spread awareness. In another viral TikTok, she explains what is happening in South Africa, which borders where she currently lives in Namibia. "There is a great concern in the comment section when it comes to the safety of the kids in their own home. I remember back in 2020, a beautiful 2-week-old baby girl lost her life in her father's hands, and now, recently in South Africa, a beautiful girl, Nikita, lost her life in the hands of her own father. So who is going to protect these kids if the ones that are supposed to protect them are not protecting them?"
"A community is needed. An uproar is needed. A great awareness is needed. And there needs to be people who are willing to give their ear, who are willing to give their hand to these kids. There needs to be a community of people who are willing to really stand in a gap, even if it's not their responsibility... People, guardians, and parents: Believe your children when they tell you something. Believe them. Some people trust their partners so much that when their kids raise their voice and try to tell them something, they disregard their own children. Believe your child," she concludes.
Currently, Gelda is working to build a safe place for kids called Sanctuary of Love. "It is a dream that has lived in my heart for many years — a safe haven where vulnerable and less fortunate children can find care, comfort, and hope for a brighter future. As a teacher, I have seen the struggles many children face, and I believe every child deserves to feel loved, protected, and valued. I have already applied for land to build the shelter and will complete all formal paperwork as soon as it becomes available," she said.
Lastly, many people have asked Gelda where they can contribute. In Namibia, she is unable to receive donations through charitable crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, so if you want to get in contact with her about how you can help, connect with Gelda on TikTok here. You can also reach her via email at [e-mail].
The Child National Abuse Hotline is: 1‑800‑4‑A‑CHILD (1‑800‑422‑4453), and crisis counselors are available 24/7, in over 170 languages. You can also find more resources at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).