Kids who are smart and curious have already been exposed to the internet since they were 8/9 years old. So a few years of learning they're already knowledgeable by the time they're in their teens.

No responsibilities and all the time in the world to learn with the right circumstances, they can go far.

Older devs who are experts in this area are already busy making money and working on their employer's security.

Curiosity and near endless time to dedicate to it make for a powerful combination.