Well, we have a 12 year old too, both of them have been taught they are not to touch any of the tanks/ponds without us present. Both of them seem to understand. The little one gets her kicks feeding the Koi outside in the summer and when Daddy picks her up and gives her a little pinch of flake food for the 180. All the smaller fish come up and peck at her fingers. Our true concern comes from the friends of the older one that seem to be completely fascinated. We preach, but with most pre-teens....are any of them REALLY listening???