I really wish someone had pushed me harder as a child and younger teenager. When I look back, however, I realize that it was really up to me to decide what I wanted and how much effort I was willing to put into it. Parents and authorities help, and I wish mine had higher standards than they do, but that only goes so far if you don't give a damn yourself.
What you can probably do is just be an encouragement to him, and an example. Just let him know what he is capable of and see if you can get him to be more engaged in life, in whatever little ways you can. Don't take reponsibility for him if you don't feel it is right to. On the other hand, 13ers are still fairly impressionable, and a good role model does go a long way.
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