I just got a new chameleon a few months ago, so here is what I can advise based on my experience.
- Chameleons can be fantastically expensive. On top of the actual chameleon, I needed a cage, stand, plants, heat lamp, UV lamp, drainage pan, drainage system, dripper, mister, vines and sticks, timers, surge protector, spray bottle, humidifier, supplements, feeders, tweezers, containers for feeders, and probably a dozen other things I have forgotten about. All that cost far more money that I had originally expected, and I only have 1 chameleon! I probably spent $600 (£390) getting everything I needed.
- I don't breed, but I am sure there are plenty of people on the forums who can shared the outrageous costs of making sure their little ones are safe and healthy.
- The costs don't stop! I am constantly spending money on crickets locally but also ordering other bugs on the internet. It's easy to spend $30 (£20) on feeders at least twice a month. Plus there are other reoccurring costs: food for the feeders, replacement UV bulbs, distilled water (if your tap water is mineral or chlorine heavy), and vet visits.
- Chameleons need a lot of space. My cage is 24"by 24" by 48" tall (60cm by 60cm by 120cm tall) and I am starting to think that my chameleon is feeling cramped. In a few years, when you are thinking about going to university, you probably won't have room for your chameleons.
- Chameleons can live for a long time compared to smaller reptiles; some might live for as long as 10 years. When you are ready to move away for university or a job or whatever, what happens to your chameleon? Will your parents care for it? Will you sell it? You will need to have a solid plan because you are going to be gone or too busy.
- Chameleons need more attentive care and more carefully controlled environments that other lizards I have owned. Humidity, temperature, lighting all have to be maintained at specific and regular levels. I keep detailed notes on temperatures, humidity, eating, pooping, and other things, hoping to keep my little guy stress-free and healthy.
- Chameleons are diurnal (they are daytime animals) and they need to be fed in the morning not before bed. I spend about 20-30 minutes every morning feeding, cleaning, misting, and checking out my chameleon. He really likes a firm schedule, so I have started getting up early on the weekends to keep him happy. They also need dark at night - if you are a late-night person, they will need a cage cover or even better to be in a separate room. Depending on your schedule, that might be difficult.
- Most chameleons aren't really "friendly" from what I have heard. Mine is very fun and not afraid of people at all, but just do some searching in these forums and you will find tons of people asking why their chameleons hiss and bite. They aren't cuddly pets and prefer to be left alone.
- What happens when you go on family vacations? Who will feed your chameleon?
- Most chameleons eat primarily bugs (crickets, silkworms, flies, dubia roaches, etc). Can you touch a bug with your bare hands? Are your parents okay with having live bugs in the house? The bugs will get loose!
So all that sounds like a big "NO" to your question. However, you have to judge for yourself if you are ready for that kind of money and time commitment. I know I wasn't ready when I was 12, but now I definitely am.
Your family will be a big factor too. If your parents are freaked out by having bugs in the house and won't help take care of your chameleon, I wouldn't get it. However, if they are willing to help with costs and feeding, then it might be okay.
My suggestion would be to wait until university or later to get a chameleon and to get a smaller and less needy lizard in the shorter term like a gecko or a anole. Chameleons are majorly cool and I love mine a lot, but he is like having a baby - he needs so much attention and money!
Good luck!
(allegedly 
) I know that if you do research and care enough about what you are doing that you can be very successful at almost any age.
