The shape, bridge, and 24 frets are good enough reasons for me not to buy that guitar, but if I had children, I'd imagine they'd play metal on some type of guitar that I own.
I say go for it, if kids and guitars are the question. I used to have a Squier Mini Strat, until I gave it to a friend whose kids were starting to take an interest in his guitars. It was a big hit with them.