8 isn't too young to learn to sew. I think your Viking SE would be fine to learn with, it has the feature where you can slow it down; if I recall correctly. (I sell Vikings.) The Viking 116 is a good beginner machine too. The machines geared toward kids are usually more of a pain to use as they don't work very well. My DD learned to sew with my
Bernina 1031 when she was 10. She's 23 now; has a Bernina 930 that she just loves. She makes wonderful garments and designs most of them herself.
Sharon W.