Tejasvi Manoj, a 17-year-old Indian-American from Frisco, Texas, has been named TIME’s Kid of the Year 2025 for her groundbreaking work on Shield Seniors, a platform designed to safeguard older adults from online scams.
The idea took root in early 2024 when cybercriminals targeted her 85-year-old grandfather with a fraudulent money request. Disturbed by how vulnerable seniors were to such schemes, Tejasvi resolved to act.
Shield Seniors provides seniors with a supportive and accessible digital toolkit:
- Simple lessons on how to identify scams
- A chatbot offering clear answers to common doubts
- AI-powered analysis of suspicious emails and messages
- Direct links to report confirmed fraud
Currently in private preview, the platform is scaling its AI capabilities while remaining committed to clarity and compassion for the 60+ community.
Beyond coding, Tejasvi is a passionate leader and volunteer. She has achieved the Eagle Scout rank, plays the violin, tutors Bhutanese refugees, and supports organizations addressing food insecurity. She has also delivered a TEDx talk urging the creation of “digital bridges” between generations.
Looking ahead, Tejasvi plans to study computer science with a focus on AI and cybersecurity, guided by her belief that everyone—especially seniors deserves dignity, safety, and confidence in the digital age.
