Did you have a pen pal? I think it's a wonderful idea. Learn to write again instead of tap tappingPe2n pal is so oldp school though. If it were me, I'd setup a machine in a public area of the house w/ parental controls, and sign him up for a strictly moderated forum for kids relevant to his interests. Online social networking is more rewarding IMO and develops useful skills for this day and age.
The art of writing and reading books has gone into staring at a computer screen 24 hours a day.