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When I learned to program I had no internet access, If I couldn't figure something out I had only the meagre help on my PC, plus the two or three example programs. Now you can type the exact error message you get into Google and somebody else has usually solved the problem. Not to mention the numerous tutorials and entire programs availabable for download.
BASIC is much more difficult language to learn than, say Python. Sure, Python can't draw things to the screen directly like BASIC, but libraries like PyGame allow this. Kids today, especially ones who are learning to program, are saavy enough to download libraries. Python also teaches the full range of programming, from simple one page programs with little structure all the way up to enterprise level. Sure C/C++ teaches you more about how computers work but Python teaches the logic skills and art of programming, which is more important in the long run.
