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Yes, I agree with you and others about the idea of hiring a pro for quite a number of dives to accompany the kids.I agree entirely that 12-13 years is THE WORST age for starting diving.
At that age children do not obey orders as they were doing at 5-7 years, and they often panic.
In my opinion, based mostly on my sons, children should be introduced to dangerous sports well before beginning primary school.
Depending on the sport and the self control of each individual, I think they should start between 4 and 6.
If they do not start so early, then better to wait they are at least 16, better 18.
We introduced our children to many dangerous sports at 4-5 years, such as scuba diving, motocross, alpin ski, mountain climbing.
But for the other sports we had missed, such as rafting, downhill, using rifles, free diving, etc. we did wait that they were grown up, as we were aware of the risks occurring when a child starts a new dangerous activity above 8 years old.
We've had this discussion about age a time or two before and will always disagree I'm afraid. Yes, 5-7 year olds obey orders better that 12-13s. But those 5-7s will eventually be 12 & 13. Back to my old point-- I don't trust any 12-13 OR 5-7 year olds regarding panic situations. Has basically nothing to do with how good and efficient divers they are. Has to do with brain development. I don't think there is a need to introduce 5-7 year olds to mountain climbing either. What's the rush?
Perhaps you have been in situations when your kids were young and observed them not panicking in a life or death situation?
I'm sure some kids may come out of that OK. Maybe.