heart rate training for children

Question
Jerry, I am a 46yrs long distance MTB cyclist and have cycled for many years. I have trained using a HRM.
my son is 11yrs and both road and mtb`s. he is excelling in his age cat and trains regularly. (10hrs min / week)
his trainer has instructed that this age group should be using HRM`s.
please comment on this.
my plan/philosophy/intention is that I aim his training at an enjoyment goal rather than 'training'.
I have my doubts about strapping a youngster to a HRM as this in my view, defeats the object of him riding a bike.
as he grows older and chooses a sport to specialize in (in addition to road cycling and mtb, he includes piano, guitar, swimming and karate in his weekly programme. yeah and school. he is blessed with intelligence, so he copes academically.).
my question:
should U12 or U14`s use HRM`s ?
pro`s vs cons : enjoyment vs possible early age burn-out?
physioligically speaking, will a HRM protect them or harm them?
your input will be greatly appreciated as my current sources of info are the HRM sales outlets !!
thanks and regards,
Aidan de Lange  - Namibia / Southern Africa.

Answer
Hi Adrian de Lange,

The answer to  your question is not really an easy one. If you want the child to ride for "enjoyment" then why even have a trainer. You and your child will have to make a decision on whether he is riding for "training" or for enjoyment. If as you say he is riding for enjoyment then I see no need for a trainer or an HRM.

You have hired a trainer because you want the child to excel and for that you should listen to the trainer and do what the trainer says.

You and your child must make up your mind as to whether the advancement of his possible cycling career is worth the investment in time and money of the trainer and the HRM.

An HRM will very likely not harm or really help him. It will give feedback to the trainer to adjust the training, not much more.  A good  trainer can use that information to help your child train and keep him in a safe heart range.

I don't use one, I am 57, I would not hook one to my 9 year old grandson that rides BMX, for numerous reasons, mainly because on him it would be a waste of time and money. He rides and races for the enjoyment of being with others and just to have fun. He loves coming in first place and is somewhat competitive but if he drops to second or even 5th he congratulates the winner and usually goes to play video games or something like that with them.

Hope this helps

Have  great day

Jerry