The parents of a Mandeville High School student are raising awareness about the growing problem of artificial intelligence.
They say their daughter’s photo was allegedly manipulated using AI to create sexually explicit images.
The parents asked WDSU to conceal their identities because they fear retaliation, but they said they felt compelled to share their daughter’s story after watching the emotional toll the incident has taken on her.
“It’s put a lot of mental toll on these girls. It’s just been more than a teenager should have to deal with at this age. It’s awful,” one parent said.
According to the family, their daughter was one of 36 female students at Mandeville High School whose photos were allegedly altered using artificial intelligence to create fake sexually explicit images.
The parents said the experience has left their daughter struggling with anxiety and emotional trauma and worries about the possibility that the images could resurface online for years.
“This is something that’s going to follow her for the rest of her life on the internet,” the parent said.
Police say two juvenile boys are accused in connection with the incident.
However, because they are juveniles and because of the technical nature of the alleged offense, the District Attorney’s Office said they cannot discuss anything.
The parents said one of their biggest frustrations has been what they describe as a lack of communication from investigators and school officials.
“What are you hiding? Why can’t you sit down with all 35 of the girls’ parents and tell us how you’re going to handle this? We’re not going to tolerate this,” one parent said.
The parents also allege the images were created using a school-issued Chromebook.
“They used the school Chromebook to access whatever website they generated the images with,” the parent said.
St. Tammany Parish Public Schools spokesperson Meredith Mendez said the district cannot discuss the case because of pending litigation.
However, in a statement provided to WDSU, the district said it made technology upgrades after the incident to better detect and block attempts to bypass internet security.
“The student was using a proxy server external to our network. Following the incident, we worked with the filtering vendor to improve our proxy detection and blocking system,” the statement said.
The district also said it revised its student handbook by adding the word “imagery” to its list of prohibited acts of misconduct. The handbook lists a range of possible disciplinary actions, including expulsion.
As artificial intelligence becomes more accessible, Louisiana lawmakers have approved several new laws aimed at addressing AI-related crimes.
During the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers passed the Ivy Daniels Act, legislation that increases criminal penalties for creating or distributing AI-generated sexually explicit images of minors. The law includes the possibility of jail time for offenders.
Supporters said the legislation is designed to address crimes that did not exist just a few years ago as AI technology rapidly evolved.
The parents say while they support stronger laws, the parents said preventing future victims will also require education, awareness and accountability.
The family also has a message for the boys accused in the case.
“What you have done involves the dignity of another person, and you violated that when that person had no chance to defend themselves,” one parent said. “Some things are just wrong, and you know they’re wrong when you do it.”
READ MORE:Mandeville student’s parents say AI altered their daughter’s photos into explicit images
