At just 17, Tejasvi Manoj, an Indian-American from Frisco, Texas, has been named TIME’s Kid of the Year 2025 for her groundbreaking work in protecting senior citizens from online scams. Her initiative, Shield Seniors, combines artificial intelligence and education to empower older adults to navigate the digital world safely. Inspired by a personal experience, Tejasvi’s passion for coding and community service has sparked a movement to safeguard vulnerable populations from cybercrime.
Key Points:
- Named TIME’s Kid of the Year 2025 for her impactful work.
- Developed Shield Seniors, a platform to protect seniors from online fraud.
- Recognized as an Eagle Scout and TEDx speaker for her contributions.
“Our goal is to ensure older adults navigate the online world confidently, with independence and dignity,” says Tejasvi.
The Spark: A Family Scare Ignites Innovation
Tejasvi’s journey began in February 2024 when her 85-year-old grandfather nearly fell victim to an online scam. Fraudsters, posing as relatives, demanded $2,000, exploiting his trust. This alarming incident revealed a broader issue: seniors are prime targets for cybercriminals, with scams costing them nearly $5 billion in 2024 alone. Shocked by her grandparents’ lack of awareness, Tejasvi channeled her coding skills—honed through Girls Who Code—into creating Shield Seniors, a platform designed to educate and protect.
Key Points:
- Inspired by her grandfather’s near-miss with a scam targeting seniors.
- Discovered that elderly individuals often lack awareness of digital fraud tactics.
- Built Shield Seniors to address the $5 billion in losses from senior-targeted scams in 2024.
How Shield Seniors Works: Empowering Through Technology
Shield Seniors is a game-changer in digital literacy for seniors. The platform, available as a website and soon as a mobile app, uses AI technology to analyze suspicious emails and messages, helping users identify potential scams. It also provides educational resources and reporting links to empower seniors to stay safe online. Tejasvi’s seminars, attended by local seniors, teach practical online safety tips, fostering confidence and independence.
Key Points:
- AI-driven scam detection: Users upload screenshots for analysis of potential fraud.
- Offers educational seminars to teach seniors how to recognize scams.
- Currently in private preview mode, with an early access form for testing.
“I was nervous at my first seminar, but seeing seniors take notes and ask questions showed me the impact we’re making,” Tejasvi shared.
A Trailblazer’s Achievements and Community Impact
Tejasvi’s work has earned her widespread recognition, including an honorable mention in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge and a TEDx talk in Plano, Texas. As an Eagle Scout, she’s also volunteered with organizations like the North Texas Food Bank and tutored Bhutanese refugees, showcasing her commitment to servant leadership. Her efforts have resonated with seniors, who appreciate her practical guidance on cybercrime prevention.
Key Points:
- Honored with a Congressional App Challenge mention and a TEDx talk.
- Volunteers as an Eagle Scout and with nonprofits, amplifying her impact.
- Engages seniors directly through workshops, fostering trust and digital confidence.
Looking Ahead: A Future in AI and Cybersecurity
With plans to major in Computer Science, focusing on AI or cybersecurity, Tejasvi is poised to continue her mission of protecting vulnerable communities. She also plays the violin in her school orchestra and volunteers with nonprofits, balancing her academic and social commitments. Her advice to families? “Check on your loved ones to ensure they’re staying safe online.”
Key Points:
- Aspires to study AI or cybersecurity to expand her impact.
- Balances coding with violin, volunteering, and community service.
- Advocates for families to prioritize online safety for elderly relatives.
