Artificial intelligence has impacted almost every area of human life in recent months, including the classroom. This time, though, the discussion isn't about using AI to write book reports or term papers. This time, inappropriate pictures are the issue. 

The trouble started when some Beverly Hills parents heard that nude photos were being passed around at the middle school. These weren't legitimate nudes, though. They were AI-generated images of underage classmates. 

The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has seen the impact on families when minors face disciplinary issues at school. If your family is dealing with child misconduct, reach out to us at 888-535-3686. 

When Good Kids Make Bad Choices 

The Beverly Hills Police Department is investigating claims that teens at Beverly Vista Middle School have been sharing nude photos of classmates. The problem is, the photos aren't real. While child pornography laws exist to prosecute students sharing nude photos, things get trickier when those photos are fakes. 

In this case, the students allegedly used an app to combine classmates' faces with nude bodies generated by AI. The situation is an example of how deep fakes will pose challenges as the technology becomes more widespread. 

AI complexities aside, the case brings up an interesting dilemma faced by parents every day. A variety of factors can lead to children getting in trouble, especially when peer pressure comes into play. What can parents do when their children end up in a situation like the teens in Beverly Hills? 

Handling Teen Misconduct Accusations 

You send your children off to school and hope for the best, but at some point, you may get that dreaded phone call from the principal's office, letting you know about a discipline issue with your child. 

When that happens, it's important to understand the “why” behind those behaviors. The biggest driver of impulsive behavior in teens has been documented by science. In adolescence, the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed yet, and that area of the brain is what helps us make good decisions. 

During the teen years, peer influence also plays a direct role in behaviors. Added to that is the social media pressures many children now face. Put all of that together, and it's easy to see why previously well-behaved children might make some mistakes once they reach their teen years. 

How Schools Handle Misconduct Allegations 

When a teen misbehaves, it's often left up to schools to choose a course of discipline. For the middle schoolers in Beverly Hills, expulsion is a possibility. However, schools can be inconsistent in following their own policies, and in the recent case in Beverly Hills, the alleged misconduct involved new technology. Your school might not even have rules on the books yet to handle issues like these as they arise. 

As a parent, having someone on your side can make a big difference when your teen is in trouble. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can walk through the accusations and make sure authorities are respecting your rights. If you need help with a situation involving your child, call 888-535-3686 or message us using our online form and we'll be in touch.