A teacher from Georgia and his spouse are under investigation for child cruelty charges, with authorities indicating that their children were subjected to food scarcity and confinement to their rooms.

The Cobb County police department reports that Steven and Anissa Griffin are alleged to have overseen their children’s actions via cameras installed in each room. They purportedly fitted bedroom doors with alarms, compelling the children to seek permission before leaving their rooms, accessing the bathroom, or eating, Channel 2 Action News reports.

Police indicated that the alleged abuse against the four children lasted over a year, leading to charges of eavesdropping against both parents.

The couple is further accused of confining their children within their rooms for extended periods, ranging from days to months, while restricting their access to food and bathroom facilities.

The children told police that the cameras made them uncomfortable, as they felt they were being recorded at all times.

A teenager told police that he lived in an unfinished basement without heat or air conditioning. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, he told police he was often confined to the basement for days at a time, sometimes without food.

Another teen said that the Griffins denied her access to the bathroom, forcing her to ask for permission to use it.

Steven Griffin has since resigned from his position at North Cobb High School, where he taught English.

Both defendants have denied the accusations against them. Check back for updates.

[Feature Photos via Cobb PD]