New York – Indian-American teenager Tejasvi Manoj, a 17-year-old from Frisco, Texas, has been honored as Time magazine’s “Kid of the Year 2025” for her groundbreaking innovation Shield Seniors, a platform aimed at protecting older adults from online scams.
Who is Tejasvi Manoj?
Tejasvi is a high school senior with a strong passion for technology, cybersecurity, and social impact. She started coding in eighth grade and has since worked on projects that blend innovation with community service. Her efforts have now earned her one of the most prestigious recognitions given to young changemakers.
About Shield Seniors
- Purpose: Designed to help seniors identify, report, and protect themselves against online fraud.
- How it Works:
- Educates users aged 60+ on common scams.
- Allows suspicious emails and messages to be uploaded and analyzed.
- Provides reporting links for fraudulent content.
- Current Status: Available only in private preview mode as Tejasvi raises funds to transition from a free AI engine to a more powerful commercial platform.
Achievements and Recognition
- Honorable mention at the 2024 Congressional App Challenge.
- Delivered a 2025 TEDx talk in Plano, Texas about building “digital bridges” for all demographics.
- Active volunteer with Scouting America, North Texas Food Bank Young Advocates Council, and tutors Bhutanese refugees through the nonprofit Vibha.
- Plays violin in her school orchestra, showing her balance of academics, arts, and community service.
Inspiring Message
“Just make sure to check up on your loved ones,” Tejasvi told Time. “Make sure that they’re staying safe online.”
Her mission goes beyond innovation—she’s an advocate for helping seniors become independent and savvy digital citizens while encouraging families to play a proactive role in cyber safety.
Future Goals
Tejasvi plans to major in computer science and minor in AI or cybersecurity. Her dream is to scale Shield Seniors globally, ensuring safe digital experiences for the elderly community.
Legacy of Innovation
Tejasvi follows in the footsteps of Gitanjali Rao, another Indian-American, who was named Time’s first-ever Kid of the Year in 2020 for her technological innovations tackling issues like contaminated water and cyberbullying.
✨ Tejasvi Manoj’s story is a reminder that technology, when paired with empathy, can transform lives.
