My Students often ask me which is better? And the answer is both. I believe every student should learn to read standard music notation, because it opens a world of possibilities in learning, especially learning other instruments.
Tabs are great too though for ease of learning and playing. A student doesn't need to know what note they are playing in order to be able to learn a song. It has always been my philosophy to get playing, and enjoying your instrument, and then worry about the theory and reading of the notes.
I compare it to learning to speak before you could read and write. Playing even just simple things should come first. Have fun, and you can do all of the reading a little later after you can make some sounds on your instrument.