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In an era where the digital divide poses serious risks, especially for older adults, a 17-year-old Indian American from Frisco, Texas, has emerged as a beacon of innovation and social impact. TIME magazine has named Tejasvi Manoj as its Kid of the Year for 2025, recognizing her remarkable efforts to protect seniors from the dangers of online scams through her pioneering initiative, Shield Seniors. This accolade highlights the inspiring story of a young coder, volunteer, and advocate who is transforming lives by empowering one of the most vulnerable demographics in the digital world.
Key Highlights of Tejasvi Manoj’s Contributions
Tejasvi Manoj created Shield Seniors, an AI-powered website that helps adults aged 60 and above identify suspicious messages, emails, and scams, providing them with tools to report fraud.
The platform is currently in private preview mode as Tejasvi works on fundraising efforts to transition to a larger, commercial AI engine to expand access nationwide.
She is the first honoree to receive the TIME for Kids Service Star recognition alongside the Kid of the Year award, underlining her commitment to positive social impact.
Tejasvi’s journey in coding began in eighth grade. She has received an honorable mention in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge and delivered a TEDx talk on bridging generational digital gaps.
Beyond Shield Seniors, she is active in Scouting America with an Eagle Scout rank, plays violin in her school orchestra, tutors Bhutanese refugees online, and volunteers with the North Texas Food Bank Young Advocates Council.
She plans to major in computer science with a minor in artificial intelligence or cybersecurity to further her impact in the tech and social sectors.
The Story Behind Shield Seniors and Its Purpose
Tejasvi’s motivation for creating Shield Seniors was inspired by a close call involving her 85-year-old grandfather, who fell victim to an attempt of online financial fraud. Realizing the widespread vulnerability of older adults to deceptive cyber tactics, she developed this user-friendly platform to educate, detect, and combat scams targeting seniors.
Shield Seniors enables seniors to upload suspicious emails or texts, which the system analyzes through AI algorithms to determine fraudulent content. It then guides users on how to report and protect themselves from these threats. Tejasvi’s vision includes conducting in-person workshops at assisted-living facilities to build seniors’ confidence and digital literacy firsthand.
Balancing Academics, Volunteerism and Advocacy
Despite her packed schedule, Tejasvi has seamlessly balanced academics and extracurricular commitments. Her participation in Scouting America helped her achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, a testament to her leadership and perseverance. Musically gifted, she contributes to her school orchestra as a violinist, showing her artistic side.
Her empathy and sense of responsibility extend to tutoring Bhutanese refugees online in math and English through the nonprofit Vibha, which supports educational development in India. She also plays an active role in food security programs locally through the North Texas Food Bank’s Young Advocates Council.
Looking Ahead: Fundraising and Expansion
Shield Seniors is currently limited by its free AI engine capability, restricting the number of seniors it can assist. Tejasvi is actively raising funds to migrate the platform to a commercial AI provider, which would allow scalability and nationwide access. This step is crucial for transforming Shield Seniors from an innovative prototype into a widely accessible resource, potentially shielding millions of older adults from cybercrime.
She envisions a future where seniors are not merely victims of digital fraud but equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate the internet confidently and securely. Her mission also encompasses educating families to support elderly relatives in staying safe online.
Wider Recognition and Legacy
TIME magazine’s choice of Tejasvi Manoj as Kid of the Year shines a spotlight on young changemakers in technology and community service. She becomes part of an elite group of youthful leaders recognized for driving positive global change. Her story echoes that of previous honorees such as Gitanjali Rao who used technology to tackle pressing social and health issues.
This honor reflects a greater narrative about inclusivity, intergenerational support, and the power of digital innovation to solve real-world problems. Tejasvi’s legacy is just beginning, and her work inspires peers and adults alike to harness technology for the greater good.
Sources: TIME Magazine, The Times of India, Economic Times, Gulf News, Moneycontrol, American Bazaar Online, News India Times
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