As for kids and airsoft, in general I agree with the fact that it creates bad habits. The one caveat is if its a mature kid and you play ops over pick up games in a strong squad enviroment. Then they are learning teamwork and sacrifice in a very productive way. People get hung up on the gun thing, but that is all about proper supervision and teaching. I see far too many people too casual with airsoft guns, I think they should be treated like real steel both on and off the field as far as muzzle discipline and mag/safety issues. Very few kids are mature enough for airsoft, When you play the higher end ops (most 18+) it is a completely different experience than pick up games which are more the equivalent of paintball with far too many kids (paintsoft as people call it).
I’d save the money on guns and go to a few of the higher end events instead (Lion Claws or Op: Irene)