Crush
Contributor
A 13-year-old's physiology and lack of psychological maturity, both, concern me, too. I'm not certain I would allow my own children to become certified at age 13 because of this concern.
Diving is mostly about "following the rules." Most young children like the structure of rules and like to follow rules. It is older teens and young adults who feel that the rules no longer apply to them. If more adults adhered to the rules like children the Accidents and Incidents forum would report far fewer accidents and incidents.
Yes, a 13-year old thinks differently from an adult. That is why young divers are limited in how deep they can dive and whom they can dive with.
A friend of mine was certified a few years ago, and his wife and son followed. As it happens, his wife messed up on a training dive and the teenage son (also on his training dive) saved her. Don't underestimate youth.