There are debates among drummers over what is better; plastic tipped or wood tipped drumsticks.
In this next video Louie Ruiz, Boise Drum Teacher, explains what type of drumsticks your child should get.
The problem with nylon (plastic) tipped drumstick is they fall off or break during a gig. Then you have to hit your cymbal with a nub of a drumstick. It sounds awful.