Easily? maybe not. I think it is definetly do able. If it is the kids first gun, I would start at a .410 though just so they don't get afraid of the kick or anything. Also, be sure to get the youth model.

I'd be sure that there is a good recoil pad on it.

Make sure that the fit is good as well.

As for what type... depend on what you want to spend if you don't have it already. I'd steer away from anything that will bruise the shoulder and make shooting unbearable.

i don't know, i couldn't. of course, that was because it was too heavy and i frequently shot at stuff that was too far away

I'd STAY AWAY from the "rossi"( I believe it is) "combo" .243/20ga.
The 20ga with it is a MONSTER !
(I'm 42/200lbs. by the way )

Depends how big the kid is. I was shooting my dads 12ga semi when I was 8-9 But I was a big kid. It did have a nice recoil pad on it as well. It all depends on type of gun, type of load and size of person shooting. Make sure the gun fits well and isnt too big. You can get a slip on recoil pad to soften the blow as well. If its a semi auto there is usually a good amount less recoil due to force of ejection. I have a 12ga single H&R and it kicks like a mule due to the design. Its a great gun for accuracy of slugs though!

I'd say they can handle it...but make sure they're comfortable shooting first. Starting a kid out on too big a gun will develop a flinch. If they've developed good shooting habits with smaller calibers...I'd say they can handle the 20.

Should be ok with light loads at first.

I would allow a 10 year old to start with a .410. I think the reduced recoil will allow them to enjoy it more and allow them to learn the finer points of hunting. Some 10 year olds just can't handle a .20 gauge. As Edward J. said, it won't take him/her long to outgrow it but it would give him a great start. I have seen children soured on hunting by the fear of the recoil... what is the purpose of that?

I am 11 and last Christmas i got a 12 gauge pump I think he/her could handle it. (I weigh 120.)

my nine y/o niece is shooting a 20ga. and she is the size of that garden nome from travelosity... soo...

Three things to consider here. One is gun fit. If the gun does not fit properly it will be cumbersome and he won't be able to hit anything with it and will quickly get tired of carrying it. Two is recoil. Half of recoil is gun weight. If you he is firing magnum loads in a 6lb 20 gauge, it is going to hurt, and he will not be interested in shooting it anymore. Start off with moderate or low-powered load and it will probably work well for him. Lastly, building confidence quickly is critical for new young shooters. If he starts with a .410 and isn't able to hit his target, he will grow frustrated. Some very knowledgeable shooters consider the .410 and even the 28 to be expert guns. In short, a properly fitted 20 should prove ideal as long as you don't stuff it full of the hottest shells you can find.