I suggest Java (Score 0)

To be completely honest it doesn't matter too much about the language, it's a little bit like choosing the color of the bike when learning how to ride one.

The reasons for choosing Java:
* It's the most used language right now by far.
* There's massive online amount of tutorials and documentation.
* The language syntax is pretty straight forward to grasp.
* Java can be used for writing simpler command line stuff or more advanced complex GUI.
* Java can be used for mobile phones which he might think is cool.
* If he later chooses to study in the Computer Science field, chances are good that they will use Java for teaching.
* All the tools are free (as in beer) and it runs on Linux.

So all in all I think that Java is the most sensible choice, allthough as I said in the beginning it doesn't matter all that much.