A Georgia teacher and his wife are facing child cruelty charges, with police stating that their children experienced food deprivation and confinement in their rooms.

According to Cobb County police, Steven and Anissa Griffin have been accused of monitoring their children’s movements through cameras installed in each room. They also allegedly placed alarms on the bedroom doors, forcing the children to ask for permission to leave their rooms, use the bathroom, or eat, 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 accusations against the couple also included confining their children to their rooms for days or months at a time while denying them food and bathroom access.

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]