For a junior and indoor use I agree that a smaller scale RC car would be more appropriate, what about one of these?
Helion Animus 1/18th SCT - chunky, big body and bumpers for protection, RTR
http://shop.a1hobbiesltd.com/index.p...roduct_id=1170
I'm racing one indoors but it could be 'tamed' for a junior by adjusting throttle rates.