A US couple have been arrested after allegedly locking their 18-year-old daughter in her bedroom for months at a time.

The pair, from Georgia, beat the soles of her feet to prevent bruises being seen, and forced her to go to the toilet in a bucket, authorities claim.

The allegations emerged after the teen, who had behavioural issues, went missing in nearby woods.

She was found 24km away after walking all night.

Investigators then found video recording gear inside the teen’s room, a lock on the door, and a lack of personal possessions.

Parents Neil and Janet Farrell face charges of exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults, false imprisonment and two counts of first-degree cruelty to children.

They had active adult guardianship of the teenager.

According to Fox News, detectives discovered evidence that showed the parents would lock the teen in her room for stretches “ranging from days to months” at a time as “a common form of discipline”.

“During some of these time periods, she would only be provided meals and very limited opportunities to use a restroom,” the sheriff’s office said.

She was given a bucket if she needed to go to the bathroom outside of the allotted schedule.