A video has gone viral on TikTok of a toddler discovering his own shadow and then trying to run away from it.

It’s part of a wider trend of “shadow babies,” whereby parents film their kids discovering the phenomenon.

In the clip, the toddler, who looks to be around two, cries as he notices it for the first time. 

The video has sparked a range of reactions and discussions online, with many viewers expressing empathy for the kid, who clearly looks distressed.

Others simply said that this was a harmless video of a child navigating the world around them.

In the clip, a dad films his son as he’s walking around on the pavement trying to chase his shadow away. 

He wails as he falls over and touches the shadow.

He then becomes increasingly distraught as he keeps trying to escape from his shadow, only to realize it’s attached to him.

His dad is behind the camera and is finding the whole situation hilarious and asks his son, “What’s wrong?”

He even encourages him to “look down”, which his son does, before beginning to cry again.

At first glance, the video might seem like a cute and funny moment. 

But many viewers took issue with the fact that the dad didn’t try and console his son and if anything, exacerbates his distress.

“Why do I always feel so bad for these shadow babies,” one person said.

Another wrote: “Honestly, it must really be terrifying from their perspective.”

“Poor child, he is really terrified by his shadow,” a third commented.

Others offered their sympathies to the boy: “Don’t worry bubba, don’t be scared. It’s with you forever.”

And some shared their own experiences of watching their kids discover their shadows.

“My son attacked his shadow by throwing things at it while screaming his little heart out,” one mom said.

Another added: “I’ll always remember the day my daughter did this. Funniest thing ever.”