USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Tejasvi Manoj, a 17-year-old student from Dallas, Texas, has been named TIME magazine‘s Kid of the Year for 2025 for her efforts to protect elderly adults from online theft. Tejasvi, the daughter of Indian immigrant parents who are both software engineers, had an early interest in technology, but it was a personal fear that drove her to become a digital safety advocate. Her inspiration came in February 2024, when her grandfather narrowly avoided being a victim of an internet hoax.
Also read: America’s Dosa King: Meet the Tamil chef making America crave his delicious dosas!
A personal incident inspired her mission
A scammer appeared to be a distressed relative and nearly persuaded him to send funds. Tejasvi was disturbed by how easily her grandfather was targeted, so she began investigating more and immediately learned that elderly persons are mostly the easiest targets for such scams, owing to a lack of computer competence. That moment really stuck with her. According to her mother, Aishwarya Manoj, Tejasvi realized it wasn’t just her family. So many other seniors are also becoming victims of these scams without knowing how to protect themselves.
Building Shield Seniors – A lifeline for the elderly
To combat these scams, Tejasvi founded Shield Seniors, an online platform that aims to educate and protect older persons against cyber fraud. The application provides straightforward, easy-to-understand digital safety information, such as how to generate secure passwords, discover dangerous connections, and identify typical red flags. Tejasvi even made sure the design was senior-friendly. With feedback from her grandparents and local seniors, she chose a calming blue color scheme and large, easy-to-read fonts to reduce anxiety and improve accessibility. The platform is divided into four main features:
- Learn: Guides on fundamental cybersecurity and safe online behavior.
- Ask: It is a user-friendly chatbot that replies to questions in plain English, free of technical jargon.
- Analyze: Users can input suspicious texts, and the AI program can detect red flags with up to 95% accuracy.
- Report: Quick connections to reputable organizations such as the FBI, AARP, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Also read: Subodh Narain Agrawal—Commonwealth Union Salutes the Indian Business Leader Who Is Redefining Trust in the Digital Age!
Real-world impact through education and outreach
Beyond the website, Tejasvi actively hosts in-person seminars at assisted living centers, helping seniors navigate the internet with confidence. “We want them to feel safe and empowered,” she said. “The goal isn’t just awareness—it’s dignity and independence.” The numbers highlight the urgency. In 2024 alone, online scams cost seniors in the US nearly $5 billion, part of over $16 billion in total reported losses, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Seniors, especially those unfamiliar with digital tools, are increasingly vulnerable.
Also read: OpenAI’s First Hire in India Could Change the Future of AI for a Billion People
Global recognition and other initiatives
Tejasvi’s art has attracted national notice. She received an honorable mention in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge and delivered a TEDx presentation in Plano, Texas, on bridging the digital divide between generations. Shield Seniors is still in private beta, with more development and financing in the works. In addition to her tech projects, Tejasvi actively participates in Scouting America and recently earned the prestigious Eagle Scout title. She also plays violin in her school orchestra and contributes to her community in many ways. She teaches math and English to Bhutanese refugee children via Vibha, a nonprofit that supports educational activities. She also volunteers with TangoTab, helping pack meals for families in need, and serves on the Young Advocates Council of the North Texas Food Bank.
A future in tech and service
Tejasvi, who is in her last year of high school, intends to pursue a degree in computer science, specializing in artificial intelligence or cybersecurity. Her long-term objective is to employ technology to tackle real-world problems, which she is already doing. “I’ve seen how a little knowledge can completely change someone’s online experience,” she said. “If I can help even a few seniors feel safer, then it’s all worth it.”
