Play money poker, just say NO!

[ChipFish]

I would actually suggest that they play single-table S&G tables...
$10+1 or $5+.50, stay away from the $5+1.
This will give them some much needed experience and teach them patience.
Ring-games can bust a beginner-player quickly if they run into cold cards or just tilt away their cash.

Edit to add: I am talking on-line of course.
Playing ring-games with your buddies is always a good start to learning this game. (Just don't get too cocky when you beat that game and move on to another.... you may just find your game wasn't very strong afterall.