SRINAGAR — Financial educator Irshad Mushtaq on Wednesday urged schools to introduce financial literacy early, warning that children are growing up amid a flood of social media content that presents trading and quick profits as paths to success.
Speaking during an interactive session at Minto Circle Senior Secondary School in Allouchi Bagh, Irshad said young people need practical lessons in saving, investing and financial responsibility long before they enter the workforce.
“Financial literacy cannot wait until adulthood,” Irshad said. “Children begin forming attitudes toward money at a very young age.”
The session focused on saving habits, long-term investing and the importance of understanding the effort behind household spending. Irshad encouraged students to view money as the product of work, planning and sacrifice rather than a digital balance on a phone screen.
A key part of the discussion centered on online trading content that has gained popularity on social media platforms.
“Social media often presents finance as excitement,” the financial educator said. “Real investing requires knowledge, patience and an understanding of risk.”
He drew a distinction between short-term trading and long-term investing, urging students to avoid decisions driven by speculation, imitation or the pursuit of quick gains.
“Children should understand that wealth is usually built slowly through consistency and informed choices,” he said.
The session also introduced students to mutual funds and Shariah-compliant investment options, with Irshad Mushtaq stressing that financial decisions should consider both returns and ethical considerations.
School officials said such programs help equip students with practical life skills alongside academic learning. Students participated actively in the discussion, raising questions about money management, investing and financial planning.
The school later honoured Irshad Mushtaq with a Certificate of Appreciation for his interaction with students.
The discussion highlighted a growing reality in Kashmir’s classrooms: many students encounter financial content online long before they receive formal education about money.
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