Authorities in Fujian have told schools to warn their students against dabbling in the stock market, saying failed investments could fuel family and social instability.

Following in the footsteps of the nation's pensioners, housewives and office workers, and lured by soaring share prices, more and more students have begun dabbling in the stock market, despite experts warning the bubble could soon burst.

"Local education departments and schools must instruct students to think twice before investing in high-risk stocks," a government notice released jointly by the Fujian education authority and the provincial security regulator in the southeastern coastal province, said.

"(The regulation) is to prevent failed investments affecting family and social stability," it said, warning students not to see the market as an easy way to make a living.

Teachers have a responsibility to help their students get a "correct view" of the stock market, the report said.

The notice came after the country's top security regulator criticized certain stock dealers for encouraging university students to play the markets.

Shang Fulin, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), said last week: "It is immoral for these stock dealers to lure students into investing their life savings in stocks."

At the end of July, the number of trading accounts in the country had reached 109.63 million, including 93.68 million A-share accounts, 2.24 million B-share accounts and 13.71 million fund accounts, according to the China Securities Depository and Clearing Co.

(China Daily September 11, 2007)