BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — A new program aims to stop bullying in Northeast Missouri.

Chandra Roberts of the North East Community Action Corporation developed the initiative in Pike County, and eventually hopes to expand it throughout the region. The goal is to help prevent bullying from escalating to physical violence.

Roberts and her team plan to work with schools, community groups and others interested in counteract hatred that’s verbally spoken or written online.

The topic hits close to home for Roberts. Two of her children verbally threatened someone recently on social media. Roberts was swift to respond, and hopes the program will encourage other parents to step in early and take preventative action.

More information about the program is available by calling Roberts at 573-324-2207, looking up pike county anti-bullying on Facebook or sending an email to pikecountyantibully@gmail.com,