In my opinion, modern tools can help a lot.
For example, check out ICC’s Learning Center, with Tactics, Rating Meters, stats and assessment, chess courses, etc.
Chess Videos can also be a great learning tool.
Obviously, a coach is fundamental and, although getting lessons online is very easy - by using Skype, for example - real-life sessions are still important.
Also, playing chess in real life can be challenging, especially in certain areas. From my experience, for instance, in my country is almost impossible to find a place where people gather to play chess. And kids are not to be exposed to hustlers, obviously! 
Therefore, an online service - which provides kids chat protection - like the ICC (as well as other websites) is very important to practice. And we all know that practicing is essential to improve.