As adults, we sometimes tend to overlook the fact that young people can be extremely bright and empathetic. My son was 13 ten years ago, and never failed to amaze me with his insights about, and his sympathy towards, others. His thoughts may have been more plain, less detailed than an adult might have, but they were still right on target.
I have decided that age and experience simply refine the qualities that some people are born with. Never discount the eyes and ears of a kid, nor where the information they collect winds up.