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The C&YA Safer Internet Survey started with an initiative at the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) Athens in August 2019.

With support from Valensiya Dresvyannikova (IFLA Policy and Research Officer) the Libraries for Children and Young Adults Section formed a working group with 12 Section members from 11 countries in 2020. This group includes a mix of practicing librarians, library consultants, and researchers in the field—all who work with children and young adults in different ways.

The working group was tasked with creating an activity in conjunction with Safer Internet Day (9 February). The working group quickly decided on a survey. A survey would allow us to see how librarians around the world contribute to making the internet a safer and better place for children and young adults.

Survey results would support the wider goals of developing research-based tools (as well as webinars, presentations, and more) to raise awareness and share best practices with the IFLA community and the library field.

The initial survey was launched on 9 February 2021. The survey features general questions that should provide a snapshot of international internet practices. Future surveys might be more specific, looking at training, privacy, bullying, cyber-security, or perhaps about upcoming developments or problems. The survey closes on 9 March 2021 and the working group is looking forward to analyzing and sharing the results.