Definitely let him give it a go – there aren't enough good drummers around and far too many mediocre guitarists!

Electric drums would probably be your best bet tbh, although they don't feel as nice as a proper set you'll be able to control the volume and they should still be fine for learning.

My younger brother started drumming when he was about 13. In a terraced house. He used to practice as soon as he got home from school, so the house was empty. My parents had a chat with the neighbours and they weren't too fussed as long as it wasn't too early in the am/late at night.

He stuck with it, and is now paying his way through uni, by gigging most weekends and teaching drumming to other kids.

There are loads of options, I have a live kit and a practice kit which has mesh heads so its silent. There are some really good electric kits too but they are pretty expensive, if you have a shed let him loose in that and see how they take to it. Practice rooms can be found fairy cheap where you can make as much noise as you like,

I had a DD506 Session Pro set. Kids loved it and so did I! Played through headphones, so not much noise. My mate has a Roland set which is a lot more like a real drum feel and sound but cost over twice as much as the DD506 did!

See if you can find a local drum teacher. First of all, it'll mean you don't have to buy a drum set straight away. It'll also mean that he can learn his rudiments while having somebody keep in check all the bad habits he could develop. If he sustains his enthusiasm, then look to get a set of his own. If you're fortunate enough to have understanding/tolerant neighbours, go for an acoustic set, with pads if necessary; if he gets into playing he's almost certainly going to want (need!) one eventually. Not an issue if you're happy to throw money at his interest, of course.

Speak to the neighbours first and ask them what time(s) they would like him to practice.

Then….BUY HIM A PROPER DRUM KIT. No **** half-measures like a game or electric ffs 😀

Real kit – no question. Second hand Pearl Export is the way to go. Far better investment if he ever goes gigging, and the girls hate electric kits 🙂
Stick some pads on it and grab hold of those practice sticks – wooden dowl around foam. Pads can easily come off and real sticks can be used.

If you do decide to get an electronic kit that he can play through headphones try and put a limiter on the volumne to prevent hearing damage. At that age they usually want to be loud and will be tempted to turn things up and their hearing is still very sensitive.

+1 souldrummer's comment on limiting volume on the electronic kit to prevent hearing damage. Acoustic kits can also easily reach ear damaging levels too. I would highly recommend your son wears earplugs to protect his hearing when playing on an acoustic kit.

…and soon…..