The responsibility of bringing up kids sits squarely on the parents, and to a certain extent on the grandparents. Introduce kids (with hands on, not just stand and watch) should start at an early age. Most I know in the hobby started their first build around 7 or 8 years of age. but had toys/models built for them before that, by parent or grand parent.
How many of you out there take their grand kids of that age (or their own kids) to shows or the local club. Dodgy Geezer has it right, do what he says and download, print off, grab some balsa, tin of paint, a brush, some glue and a craft knife, parcel them up and give them to your kids and/or grand kids. (All for a few dollars/pounds). Its up to you to see the hobby continue, your responsibility to pass on the interest. A seven year old doesn't need r/c and all the gubbins, save that for their 2nd or 3rd boat, even donate your old 27 or whatever crystal r/s gear as you mostly now use 2.4Mhz sets. That's why with my footy-scow drawings (vailable free from DG's web-site as 50+ wee boats) I list all the various fittings which can be bought from the local craft shop (or pound/dollar shop) for very little and still they look the part. No need for expensive purpose made fittings until later builds. Encourage them to think laterally, and be creative. You maybe surprised just how creative some kids can be today.
Start them off small, and see the look of pleasure and achievement on their faces when THEIR boat actually navigates the local pond. They will always want something better, so let them progress to bigger and better things slowly with each build. Some will drop out, maybe to return later in life, others will move sideways into RTR boats and enjoy them. They will all go their different paths , some within, some without the hobby, BUT its upto you to take the first steps.
Or is my faith in fellow modellers misplaced and they really don't want to take on the responsibility as is so common with humanity today. All for self, and no responsibility for anything, then moan like hell because the govt isn't doing anything.
Everyone gets the govt they deserve, your choice.
The hobby lives or dies due to the attitudes and actions of its members.
Ok, rant over, just my two bob's worth, and no correspondence will be entered into, as they say.
Here's to the future of our hobby
cheers
kiwi