My nine year old will be learning on my Z712-IS. It's shaped like a DSLR, is smaller in size and has full manual modes. And, they are virtually indestructible. I had to leave on out in the rain to lose only half of its functions.
That’s certainly a good recommendation for the Kodak Z-series. Virtually indestructible is high on the list if it’s going to be his to use for snapshots.