Hi Skan.
If you get your son a genuine apple iPod, change the earphones.
The reason you want to change the iPod earphones, is that people, espcially kids, who are wearing iPod earphones are targeted and can have their iPods stolen. The iPod earphones identify that the person has an iPod on them and it makes for an easy target.
Sony earphones are a good replacement.
www.sonystyle.com
Theives steal the iPods and sell them on eBay for cash.