This classroom chant about “private parts” is stirring debate—but experts say it may save lives
Credit: @gelda_waterboer / TT
How we talk about body boundaries matters as much as what we say.
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If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you may have scrolled past a classroom full of first-graders shouting—joyfully, powerfully—about their private parts.
In the viral clip, a teacher in Namibia leads her students in a call-and-response chant:
“These are my private parts!”
“Nobody can touch them!”
She’s not whispering, either. She’s belting. The kids? Matching her energy like it’s a Beyoncé concert.
The video has racked up millions of views, and while some commenters praise the confidence and others call it “too aggressive,” experts say her tone might be exactly what children need to stay safe.
Related: 10 ways to talk to your kids about body safety and consent
Why the “fierce” delivery matters
Child-safety experts agree: How we talk about body boundaries matters as much as what we say. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital says it’s normal for children to giggle or be silly during conversations about body safety (and especially when practicing what to do if they feel unsafe), but this is actually a good way to help them feel more comfortable and confident if a real situation arises. Modeling assertiveness helps them demonstrate it themselves when needed.
In other words: We can’t expect kids to shout “no!” in a scary situation if we only ever whisper about private parts at home. (We can save our gentle voices for bedtime stories.)
Songs and chants like this give kids something called “body safety scripts”—short, memorable phrases they can use to name body parts, assert ownership, and seek help if needed.
Related: ‘Good touch vs. bad touch’: Toddler’s lesson shows how easy body safety can be
What parents can do tonight
If you want to echo the message at home, experts suggest keeping it simple and shame-free:
- Use real names for body parts. This helps kids communicate clearly if something ever feels wrong and removes the secrecy that predators exploit.
- Make “body autonomy” a family value. Practice saying “No, thank you” or “I don’t want a hug right now” without pressure.
- Sing it out. If your child loves music, turn a safety message into a song. Try something like, “My body’s mine, from head to toe!” to the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” (Yes, it’ll get stuck in your head. That’s kind of the point.)
Related: This children’s book about body safety went viral on TikTok
Breaking the taboo together
Talking about sexual abuse prevention with kids can feel awkward. Many parents weren’t raised with this language themselves, and in some cultures, the topic is still deeply taboo. But every expert agrees: Open, confident communication saves lives.
So if your kid ends up chanting about private parts while brushing their teeth, consider that a parenting win. Because behind the viral moment is a truth that resonates far beyond one classroom: Teaching children to own their bodies is empowering. Now that’s really something to sing about.
Related: Dad shuts down mother-in-law’s body-shaming remark about his 11-year-old
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