Pyramid schemes - Scams must be outlawed immediately

AN alarming aspect of the explosion of get-rich-quick pyramid schemes is that secondary school students are now attempting to cash in on this craze.

As gardaí investigate multi-million euro scams where foolhardy investors have already lost thousands, it now emerges that pupils have set up classroom stings based on the pyramid concept. With an entry fee of €500, this is a development that could damage young lives.

The alarming twist in the pyramid saga comes as teachers raise concerns over student behaviour in the classroom. One-in-five teachers were threatened by students in the past month and 44% said they were stressed out.