Footage of a young boy violently slapping his mother, who is allegedly high on drugs, has provoked controversy after it was posted online.

WATCH: TERRIFIED TEEN SECRETLY FILMS FAMILY'S VIOLENT REACTION TO THE NEWS THAT HE IS GAY

In the 15-second clip uploaded to Instagram by user Bee_Reaves, the child is seen violently slapping his mother after she reportedly became so intoxicated she stopped responding to him.

Bee_Reaves states that the woman is high on drugs, writing: "She was high as sh*t… what a shame."

The visibly distressed boy, who is reported to be around nine years old, can be heard pleading: "Mummy wake up! Can you talk to me?"

READ: EXPERTS WARN THAT COVERING YOUR BABY'S PRAM PUTS YOUR INFANT'S LIFE AT RISK

After receiving no response other than a blank stare from his mother, the little boy violently begins slapping her, before another woman steps in to try and stop him.

WARNING: THIS VIDEO MAY BE DISTRESSING FOR SOME

The video has divided opinion, with many unable to decide who the 'true victim' of the shocking footage is.

Many insisted that the boy needs to be taken into a 'safe and stable' environment.

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One user commented: "That poor baby deserves better. Don't blame the child for trying to save his mother. Instead pray for the mother is n this video as well as the son, that she will get the help she needs and that he will have a safe and stable home environment.

"This breaks my head. Parents should be parents... responsible for the young lives in their care."

Another added: "He didn't mean to, he did it out of desperation and pain of what his mum is putting him through by taking hard drugs."

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However some have slammed the child for his actions, saying he should never have assaulted his mother and insisting that she was the true victim.

One wrote: "That little man will end up in jail or dead, probably both."

Another added: "He has no right on earth to hit his mother. #SonOfAB**ch"

Read more: Crystal meth addict jailed for life for beating 10-month-old to death.

Who do you believe is the true victim of this upsetting video?