This Christmas hundreds of millions of pounds will be splashed out by parents all over Europe and beyond, but very much by families here in Gibraltar on electronic gifts for their kids. Things like mobile phones, iPhones, iPads, Tablets and other must-have hi-tech gadgets will top shopping lists. Collectively, parents will be spending unreservedly to fulfil their children's Xmas wishes for more tech for their kids this year.
These days, it's difficult to find anybody over the age of 12 without a smartphone and at least one social media account, many youngsters have more.
Social media has become huge as popular platforms for the teen generation like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat and others all dominating youngsters free time, all accessible on laptops, tablets and smartphones of course.
It's become easier than ever for kids to become connected to one another, and although this certainly has its positives, social media and email have also opened up a new platform for a modern day version of cyber bullying, including other serious consequences connected to modern online activity.
EU Clampdown - New Regulations Will Ban Under 16's on Social Media
The European Union is now on the verge of implementing new laws, in fact regulations that will ban children under the age of 16 from Facebook, Twitter and email, unless they have parental permission. The new regulations would see the age of consent for websites to use personal data raise from 13 to 16-years-old.
A last-minute change to the draft of Article 8 of the European General Data Protection Regulation by the European Parliament/Commission/EU policy makers means that children under 16 would have to get their parents' consent every time they want to use "information society services". Like using search engines, downloading an app, writing blog posts, or sending messages to friends on social media sites. Earlier, EU politicians had set the age of consent to 13.
Not Everyone Agrees With Brussels
The Diana Award Youth Board, which strives to protect children from bullying, have attacked the proposition, saying: "This higher age threshold may incentivise children between the ages of 13 and 15 to lie about their age in order to continue accessing online services - rather than asking their parents to consent."
New EU Data Protection Agreed Between all EU Main Power Making Arms
The EU Data protection reform is a legislative package proposed by the Commission in 2012 to update and modernise the data protection rules.
These new EU laws have been hailed the biggest changes in 20 years to protect 'Europeans' privacy and data. The rules are designed to make it easier for people to control how their data is used while granting regulators far stronger powers to fine companies that fail to abide by them.
Last Thursday/Friday night, in an extraordinary meeting, the European Parliament's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee endorsed the texts agreed between the EU Council, Parliament and Commission on the 15 December. This support enabled 'Representatives Committee Coreper' to confirm the final compromise texts on the regulation and the directive. It will now be submitted for adoption by the EU Council and, subsequently, by the EU Parliament. It's understood the regulation and the directive are likely to enter into force in spring 2018.
Félix Braz, Luxembourg Minister of Justice and President of the Council said, "It is a fundamental agreement with important consequences. This reform not only strengthens the rights of citizens, but also adapts the rules to the digital age for companies, whilst reducing the administrative burden. These are ambitious and forward-looking texts. We can have full confidence in the result."
Below are the key points of the new EU data protection laws:
· It will unify data protection rules across Europe, which should make it easier for companies to do business, no longer juggling dozens of different regulatory regimes. Likewise, they will only deal with one supervisory authority, which the EU claims will save €2.3 billion every year.
· The rules will apply to non-European companies if they want to do business in Europe.
· Companies are required to publicly declare "serious" data breaches
· It enshrines the "right to be forgotten" in law. This will allow consumers to demand that a company deletes all information about them - if they have closed their account with a website, for example, or do not wish to be tracked by a marketer.
· Businesses can be fined up to 4% of global turnover for failing to comply. For a company like Apple with revenues of some $234 billion in 2015, it would amount to nearly $10 billion in fines.
· 'The digital "age of consent" has been raised to 16 years. This means that any user 15 or under needs to gain the consent of their parent or guardian to sign up for apps and websites'. This could have a major impact on popular social media platforms that has a large proportion of teen users. (In fact Google, Twitter, and Facebook reportedly lobbied against the EU proposal)
· Big companies are forced to employ a data protection officer. Small and medium enterprises are exempt as long as "data processing is not their core business activity."
Consequences Very Significant for European Society
As mentioned Several groups, including anti-bullying charity the 'Diana Youth Award Board' and the 'Family Online Safety Institute', have attacked the move as effectively "banning teenagers from using the internet", and have already launched a petition calling for it to be stopped.
The ICT Coalition, a group whose members include Facebook and Google, has also spoken out about the proposed legislation.
"The consequences of the proposed change are very significant for European society," the group said. "Online services have provided children with a safe place to explore and learn and indeed, according to renowned researcher Dr David Finkelhor.
No doubt when these laws are passed they will be more than just a headache for young teens, as social media companies would also have to make alterations specific for EU accounts in order to comply with the new regulations.
RGP in Middle of Specific Online 'Sex Blackmail' Campaign
Cases of cyber bullying are becoming extreme. Locally the RGP are in the middle of a public campaign with warnings of specific threats regarding online sex blackmail incidents.
Teens, generally, are being coerced into sharing sexually revealing images and videos, it's impossible to forget the case of the Canadian 15-year-old, Amanda Todd, who tragically ended her life after a private video of her was shared around her school via social media channels.
The verdict will be out for a long time whether the new law will be a beneficial move on the part of the EU, or will it just encourage teenagers under 16 to just lie about their age?
As mentioned already, the new EU data protection rules are expected to come into effect in two years time. Looking ahead in this respect, if I was a youngster I would now be praying for a UK Brexit - simple to avoid such a law ever applying to the UK and Gibraltar!
23-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
If PANORAMA were Father Christmas...
December 23, 2015
The gifts we would give...
TO SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT ADOLFO CANEPA: Patience.
TO EMPLOYMENT MINISTER NEIL COSTA: 'Wish I was there' card to the Tourist Board.
TO TEMPORARY GOVERNOR ALISON MACMILLAN: Lead role in 'Reina por un dia' - (seriously though she has her heart in the right place.)
TO TRAFFIC MINISTER PAUL BALBAN: A bicycle.
TO JOE BOSSANO: Roy Clinton.
TO COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES IAN MCGHEE: A pea shooter to defend British territorial waters, compliments of the MOD.
TO GSD LEADER DANIEL FEETHAM: A backbench, courtesy of Robert Vasquez.
TO CULTURE MINISTER STEVEN LINARES: Showman of the Year trophy.
TO THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT: A model of the Spanish frontier at Gibraltar with no queues, as a constant reminder of Freedom of Movement, sponsored by the EU.
TO EDUCATION MINISTER GILBERT LICUDI: Students galore for the university, and a hall/hostel to house them all.
TO THE GFA: A new stadium
TO GBC: A daily read of the Broadcasting Act to ensure they don't break the law.
TO DCM AND MINISTER FOR EUROPE JOSEPH GARCIA: A map of Europe.
TO THE ROYAL GIBRALTAR REGIMENT: More soldiers.
TO THE CAVALCADE COMMITTEE: Endless supply of sweets and floats.
TO SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER MARGALLO: The Order of the Boot.
TO BROADCASTING REGULATOR PAUL CANESSA: The 'I hear nothing, I see nothing' prize.
TO GSLP/LIBERALS: An endless supply of glue to stay stuck together for ever and ever, sponsored by the original promoters Joe Bossano and Joseph Garcia.
TO ENVIRONMENT MINISTER JOHN CORTES: Magician of the Year, for the disappearence of so many apes.
TO THE GSD: A tank-full of LNG, compliments of Trevor Hammond.
TO CHIEF MINISTER FABIAN PICARDO: A video of the biased 'Powder Room' programme as a symbol of what GBC can get up to.
TO FINANCIAL SERVICES MINISTER ALBERT ISOLA: Travelling salesman trophy.
TO TOURISM MINISTER SAMANTHA SACRAMENTO: Tourist of the Year.
TO GIBRALTAR: Best wishes.
23-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
What does Christmas mean to us these days?
December 23, 2015 | By Carmen Gomez
Christmas Eve, in days of old, was called Mother's night, and people kept awake until dawn in celebration of conception and birth; to the Victorians, the magical trees imported from Germany was part of their joy of Christmas and for Dickens it was about helping the poor. Without getting all religious or pontificating on this subject, I ask, "What does Christmas mean to us these days?" As I lose myself in thought of the wonders of Christmas and the desire to put up our crib come December, even though many of our loved ones are no longer with us; I recall days of old with nostalgia; and although much of the magic and tradition has gone with the passing of the years, Christmas fills me with childish glee.
The other day I decided to take myself to the supermarket to look for those special little extras that one indulges in at this time of the year when. Despite the smiling faces of those who worked there with their regulatory festive hats and reindeer adornments, I found myself jostled by angry looking shoppers who drove their trolleys into me without as much as a "sorry," as others pushed their trolleys with a quiet resignation and fed up faces; others argued amongst themselves as they filled up their trolleys without any sign of the enjoyment of shopping, complaining about how this year it was their turn to have the family over and how they just wouldn't be able to cope, whilst the children tagged along pointing to goodies on the shelves with no one paying attention to them.
Why do people put themselves through a ritual they obviously dislike intensely? I heard someone saying to her child who was holding a bauble in his hand," no we are not going to put up the Christmas tree this year. I don't have the time." No tree and probably no sign of a crib since kingdom come. Why? If only people could sit down for a minute and stop rushing around so much; take a moment to think of the old days and how their parents before them coped and enjoyed the festive season without such fuss and hassle, they would realise their priorities are totally misplaced.
Traditions
It is sad but true that with the passing of time, many of the Christmas traditions are no longer with us. Some countries have become confused in a desire to celebrate all festivities from around the world and make them their own, thus losing sight of the real meaning of Christmas. Last year on Spanish TV they showed Father Christmas arriving on his sleigh with camels on tow, which once upon a time was the travelling mode of the three kings. Then there are countries that, on account of a mistaken attempt for political correctness, have in the past banned the singing of Christmas carols in schools, or nativity plays, as they were thought to be "culturally irrelevant," regardless of the fact that Christianity is the base of one of the world's greatest cultures. It's like imposing a dictatorship on thought. The Christmas spirit must always be there for all to enjoy, each in his own way; either by setting up of a crib for those children to understand the meaning of Christmas; or reaching out to someone in need.
Dramatic representations of the birth and early life of Christ were instituted a long time ago; in fact it was rare to see our yearly cavalcade without a float which carried a nativity scene. In olden times the so called manger songs and Christmas carols, during which time special dishes for Christmas were prepared in the home, were enjoyed by all. The meaning of a carol, derives from the word "Carole" which means a dance with song; a song for Christmas. I wonder if people still play Christmas carols or sing them as a family unit in today's homes.
In olden days there were also traditions like the "Waits;" originally a band of watchmen who waited or kept guard outside the dwellings of the rich and powerful, and pipe the watch musically at intervals, at the same time making sure that all was secure. This is the modern application to street musicians, who go about at the Christmas season playing carols for a gratuity. In Gibraltar's days of old, they were locally known as "una Comparsa" made up of young men mainly; musicians who played and sung, and sometimes would be accompanied by others holding a sheet, into which the public would throw coins from their windows or in the street, as they walked by, as part of a collection for those in need. The custom of presenting gifts at Christmas to friends dates back to the time of the ancient Romans. Boxes used to be hung up in church at Christmas time, for offerings to be deposited inside for the poor and needy of the parish. These boxes were open on the day after Christmas day and their contents distributed. Hence the day was known as Boxing Day and the gifts themselves came to be known as Christmas boxes.
Cards
It was in 1846 that Christmas cards were introduced. Do we maintain this tradition or do many Email a message on their computers to a loved one abroad; how sad if that's the case for there is nothing to beat the receipt of a beautiful card which carries good wishes, is hand written and truly makes you feel loved, even if you don't know where to hang them up afterwards! Father Christmas is variously identified with St. Nicholas, whose memory survives in the Santa Claus of Christmas rejoicings; specially honoured as the guardian and patron of children and with many legends illustrating his benevolence. Whatever your religious beliefs take time to talk to your children and explain the magic of Christmas.
23-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
What is New Year all about?
December 23, 2015 | By Analiese Lancaster
The stroke of midnight on the 1st of January marks a new calendar year, the New Year allows us to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future, with new resolutions, high hopes and expectation.Around the world the start of the New Year is marked by a countdown followed by a fireworks display, in Gibraltar, families flock to Casemates Square to take part in the countdown and the celebration. Soon after people begin to make their way to the various parties that are hosted so that they can drunkenly dance their way into a prosperous new year.
However the night doesn't end there, if the weather permits, those who manage to stay up congregate at Eastern Beach to watch the first sunrise of the New Year before heading back into town to help themselves to a hearty full English breakfast. Eventually you end up at home and sleep until you wake up on the 2nd of January, but in the midst of all the elaborate celebrations have you ever wondered why we celebrate the New Year and why it carries such significant symbolism?
There are actually many reasons as to why we celebrate the New Year from the psychological to the traditional and mythical. The modern day celebration stems from an ancient Roman custom, the feast of the Roman God Janus, God of doorways and beginnings. The name for the first month of the year, January, also comes from Janus, who was depicted as having two faces, one face looked back into the past and the other looked forward to the future. By the early medieval period the celebration had been incorporated into the Christian calendar so the celebration of the New Year was changed to the 25th March.
However in the 16th century Pope Gregory XIII decided to discard the Julian calendar and so the Gregorian calendar came to be and the official date to celebrate the New Year once again became the 1st of January. On the other hand, in an article published on Psychology Today, writer David Ropeik discusses the psychological reasoning behind celebrating the New Year explaining, "the symbolism we attach to this one moment is rooted in one of the most powerful motivations of all - our motivation to survive."
Ropeik also looks at the symbolism behind the tradition of those famous New Year Resolutions explaining that many of our resolutions stem from our instinct to survive describing them as "examples of the universal human desire to have some control over what lies ahead, because the future is unsettlingly unknowable." Ultimately Ropeik comes to the conclusion that New Year celebrations revolve around the celebration of surviving yet another year and looking at the various ways we can improve and change in order to survive the next 365 days.
KEEPING UP TRADITIONS
Apart from the traditional New Year Resolutions there are a number of other traditions that differ depending in what part of the world you celebrate the New Year. In Gibraltar many partake in the Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes in one go at the clock stroke of midnight, if successful you'll have achieved good luck for the rest of the year. After toasting to fresh starts and well wishes for the year ahead with a mug of eggnog or champagne it is expected for you to go round wishing everyone a happy New Year with a kiss, with many couples sharing a kiss at the stroke of midnight.
So wherever you're spending your New Year this year there will no doubt be a range of celebrations for you to enjoy and partake in, allowing you to enter 2016 in the most festive way possible.
23-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR