I'm fully aware that many kids - even older kids - aren't mature enough to handle diving. I do, after all, teach in high school and I see many of them that I wouldn't trust taking a message to the office! Many are couch potatoes and always look for the easy/quick way, etc. Video games tend to be a #1 activity...
With our kids, they don't even particularly like video games and we seldom watch TV. They've been brought up outside - swimming, camping, doing "real" hiking - sometimes on dangerous trails. Riding their ponies is probably more dangerous than scuba - though both can be dangerous as can be some of those more difficult trails. However, we always emphasize safety and they've learned that growing up.
Part of the reason we're also switching to homeschooling is because we raise our kids so differently. Till now, most of the other kids have been jealous of ours, but as they reach those high school/peer pressure years, I don't want them feeling out of place since they don't know what's on TV Tuesday night at 7 etc and they don't hang out at the mall.
I'm a firm believer that I'd rather "live" and die young, than grow into old age and have done absolutely nothing. It may happen - and if so - I've no regrets. If necessary, I'm ready to meet my Maker. Besides, one could stay at home forever and still die young (cancer, etc).
To each their own. Real dangers (such as the current in the St Lawrence) will be respected. Perceived dangers (such as depth recommendations) will be investigated to see how much is real. Possible dangers (such as scuba in general) will be worked with to be reasonably safe - but then enjoyed. Driving/riding in a car is probably more dangerous - just heard on the news yesterday that someone was wiped out by a big truck causing an 8 car wreck on our local highway. It won't stop me from using that highway, but we still use seatbelts (and try to drive safe) when we go in a car.
Thanks again for the shallow diving suggestions from folks! Has anyone BEEN to Mozambique to let me know if that can be shallow or not - to see the Whale Sharks?