Your point is very good, but I think this post is more about the social (rather than intellectual) development of the kid in question.
I was more referring to him not being challenged by the school system.
Socially - surely one could find online smart individuals to talk with, about common interests, and I'm sure he wouldn't care so much about the age gap. People with interest in computer graphics, programming, and/or mathematics contact me routinely, and I am not even particularly visible. Some are just interested kids. Dunno what his interests are though. edit: if he has a hobby, he could met other smart individuals through it. He can participate in some contests - now with the internet one can do it worldwide - though contests are kind of a distraction.
I'm friends with an incredibly smart kid. He's 14, but has been put up three grades in school at one point. He does all the obvious enrichment things which are available in the relatively small Australian city he lives in.
His life experience has been pretty unusual. He doesn't really know what it's like to be challenged in school. All his friends are way older than he is. (Once, I asked him how being constantly around people older than him made him feel. He replied, "Concerned for my future.")
He doesn't know anyone like him, which I think is a shame: he'd probably get along very well with them.
Does anyone know any similar kid geniuses? If so, can I give them my friend's details?
Thanks.