Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke has proclaimed September as “Digital Aloha Month.” This month-long initiative aims to inform and inspire safe online behavior and digital well-being for students, educators, parents and communities across the islands.

“Together, we can create a digital environment that reflects our values – safe, inclusive, and uplifting,” Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said. “I encourage students, families, businesses, and community groups to join us in practicing Digital Aloha: treating others online with the same care and kindness we show in person.”

Digital Aloha Month encourages internet users of all ages to practice empathy, protect their mental health and take responsibility for their digital actions by following five principles of digital aloha: Act with aloha; Listen to yourself; Own your impact; Help when you see harm; All of us together.

The month-long initiative is in partnership with the Hawai’i State Student Council, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, the Hawai’i State Youth Commission, and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division.

“Digital spaces are now a part of everyday life for our youth, and what happens online can have a real and lasting impact on their mental health and emotional well-being,” said Keli Acquaro, administrator of the state health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division.

“We recognize the urgency of creating supportive environments–both on and offline — where youth feel safe, seen, and connected. Digital Aloha Month encourages our youth to prioritize mental health by fostering a respectful and safe online community.”

Throughout September, Connect Kākou will make available a suite of anti-cyberbullying resources, including printable materials for classrooms and social media assets–along with a link to HIDOE’s Speak Now app, a confidential tool for reporting bullying incidents.

“As students, we spend so much of our time online for school, social media, or just chatting with friends. We all have the power to make the internet a safer, kinder place and Digital Aloha Month reminds us that it starts with small choices every day,” said Hawai’i State Youth Commission chairperson Jeremiah Jacinto.

Information and resources for Digital Aloha Month will be available at connectkakou.org throughout September.