WESTFIELD, NJ --- Westfield High School Principal Mary Asfendis sent a letter to parents Friday afternoon about what she said was "widespread misinformation" that resulted in "significant worry and concern amongst the student body of Westfield High School."
Students at the high school believed that someone had shared photos of some of the female students' faces paired with nude bodies that were not their own, a WHS parent told TAPinto Westfield Friday afternoon.
"Earlier today, students brought to our attention that some of our students had used Artificial Intelligence to create pornographic images from original photos," Asfendis wrote.
"There was a great deal of concern about who had images created of them and if they were shared," she said. "At this time, we believe that any created images have been deleted and are not being circulated."
The School Resource Officer and the Westfield Police Department have been made aware, Asfendis said.
"If a parent/guardian thinks their child is a victim of a criminal act in relation to this incident please report the matter to Westfield Police," she wrote.
The non-emergency number for the Westfield Police Department is 908-789-4000.
Asfendis called the incident "very serious."
"We are continuing to investigate and will inform individuals and families of students involved once the investigation is complete. This will happen before the weekend," she wrote.
The school made counseling available for all affected students and encouraged them to return to class when they felt able to do so, Asfendis told parents.
"I wanted to make you aware of the situation, as, in addition to harming the students involved and disrupting the school day, it is critically important to talk with your children about their use of technology and what they are posting, saving and sharing on social media," Asfendis wrote. "New technologies have made it possible to falsify images and students need to know the impact and damage those actions can cause to others.
"We will continue to educate your children on the importance of responsible use of technology and hope you reinforce these messages at home."