IMO... if the kid is going to play by himself with no supervision = electric, (NO LIPO's)
if dad is going to get involved in the hobby = electric or nitro, just pick the one you like.
By the way, my oldest son started with nitro when he was 6 under my supervision... 24/7. Hes now 23
I'm 45 now but I also started with nitro at 19... and no supervision lol