Encouraging Children's Interest in Cybersecurity as a Preventive Measure Against Cybercrime

In an increasingly digitised world, cybersecurity has evolved from a technical necessity into a societal obligation. As children become active participants in virtual environments from an early age, it is imperative to instil in them an awareness of online threats and ethical technology use. This paper examines the significance of promoting cybersecurity interest among children as a sustainable approach to mitigating cybercrime. The study draws upon educational psychology, ICT-based pedagogy, and preventive criminology to argue that early exposure to digital safety principles can reduce future engagement in cyber offences. It proposes an integrative model of learning that combines gamified education, experiential practice, and community engagement. The findings suggest that embedding cybersecurity education into early ICT curricula cultivates technological responsibility, enhances critical thinking, and contributes to global cyber resilience.