Cheap starter system for kids

Thanks for all the input. Unfortunately for those who recommended used gear, the buyer here is definitely not comfortable with that even though its probably the best value.

I'm definitely not locked in to powered speakers, but my friend has heard AE HD3s on my computer at work so I was just leaning towards whats familiar to both of us. I considered the Elac B6s paired with an amp or receiver, but I haven't heard them in person yet...still trying to gauge how complicated they'd be comfortable with the systems being and powered speakers keep it super simple plus add bluetooth (not that there aren't other options for that) to let them and their friends play stuff they don't have on vinyl.

Since dad isn't himself familiar with audiophile gear, the many suggestions for a TT with built-in phono preamp are probably a good idea too for the simplicity mentioned above...or at least a amp/receiver with phono input if we do go for passive speakers

I know turntables and kids don't always mix, so the idea of going a bit more robust with a DJ style TT like the Pioneer PLX-500 or Audiotechnica LP-120 might be wise...or perhaps automatic (Denon DP-300F)??

Appreciate all the opinions/suggestions. Thanks

DJ turntables are mostly rubbish, except for Technics (the leader of the industry for decades) and recently a Pioneer and Denon as alternative, please ignore any others, they are not good!

Buy what professionals are using (not amateurs), even if you think they are looks the same they are not the same at all. Every brand tried to clone Technics and make it cheaper (bad idea).

Technics is the best you can get and this is actually great Hi-Fi component (the mk7 is what you have to look for) ! Don’t be afraid to pay a bit more for it, you’re paying for the quality and this turntable can be used for 30 years.

Pioneer and Denon re not bad, especially for kids.

They are easy to re-sell, but those can be used for a very long time and kids will not destroy them.

You can have new Technics mk7 (this is the best of them all).
Pioneer PLX1000 as alternative
or Denon VL12

P.S. Don't even think about belt-drive when you're buyin turntable for kids, it will be destroyed quickly :)) 

If it were me in this scenario and I didn't want one of the newer, cheaper belt drives, I'd go for something from this guy.

https://horiatis76.com/

He sells fully refurbished decks, often with new dust covers, interconnects and stylus (if needed).  I don't personally have experience buying from him but he's been at this a long time... and the higher end stuff goes quickly.

But right now he has a nice selection of lower end DD tables, and I'd think any of them would work well for kids just getting into this stupid hobby. ;)

Yea I get that your friend isn't into used but I think this is a pretty safe option.

I would be FAR more interested in what they listen to than what they
hear  it on .

@thatavidguy

I like your idea. I use an old Dual turntable to play my 45's since some of those are in less than optimal condition. Especially my punk stuff from the 80's played on a series of console wrecker players.