There are a lot of ball python quirks...most notably prolonged hunger strikes and food refusals. I would recommend a corn snake instead of a ball python for a first snake (especially for a small child) they are easier overall, more active, less easily stressed, good eaters, and require a much less complicated heating set up.
As for lighting for ball pythons:
I have tried colored bulbs and my ball pythons seem to avoid the light regardless of color. I use a small LED night light in my snake room at night (think moonlight brightness)-it does not bother them.
As for what I would tell a 12 year old for taking care of a ball python: "I hope your parents are ready to pay any vet bills..."
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