In a remarkable achievement, 17-year-old Indian-American teen Tejasvi Manoj has been named TIME’s Kid of the Year 2025. Recognized for her outstanding efforts in shielding older adults from online scams, Tejasvi has become a symbol of youth-led social change and digital empowerment.
🚀 The Journey of Tejasvi Manoj That Started It All
Tejasvi’s passion for protecting seniors online began in February 2024 when her grandfather nearly fell victim to an online scam. Fraudsters impersonated a family member, attempting to deceive him into transferring money. This alarming incident opened Tejasvi’s eyes to the vulnerability of older adults in the digital age.
Her response was proactive and impactful. She created Shield Seniors, an innovative platform aimed at increasing digital literacy and protecting seniors from fraudsters.
Tejasvi Manoj (Time’s kid of the year)
🖇️ https://x.com/TIME/status/1965495715905540234?t=p9jIN_vNQLtGiQatVMG6pQ&s=08
🛡️ What Is Shield Seniors?
Shield Seniors is more than just a platform — it’s a lifeline for digital safety among seniors. The initiative provides:
1) Educational Resources: Easy-to-understand guides explaining common types of scams.
2) Practical Tools: Step-by-step instructions to help seniors identify and report fraudulent emails, calls, and messages.
3) Awareness Campaigns: Online and offline seminars to educate seniors about the latest scam tactics.
4) Support Community: A place where older adults can connect and seek help regarding digital safety concerns.
This platform bridges the digital literacy gap, empowering older adults to navigate the internet safely and confidently.
💰 Why This Work Matters
The issue of online scams targeting seniors is both growing and costly. According to TIME:
1) In 2024 alone, scams targeting older adults led to losses of nearly $5 billion.
2) Seniors often fall prey due to lack of awareness or knowledge about digital threats.
Tejasvi’s Shield Seniors directly addresses this challenge by giving seniors the tools they need to protect themselves, making the internet safer for an often-overlooked demographic.
🌟 Recognition and Awards
Tejasvi’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Key highlights of her achievements include:
1) Honorable Mention in the Congressional App Challenge.
2) Delivered an inspiring TEDx talk in Plano, Texas, emphasizing the importance of digital inclusion.
3) Conducted local seminars to educate senior citizens about safe online practices.
She recalls her first seminar experience:
“I remember going to my first seminar and I was super nervous, but there were so many people who were really interested—taking notes on their notepads, which was really nice. At the end, some of them came up to me with questions, and I was able to help them.”
🎓 Future Plans and Personal Interests
- Tejasvi has big dreams for the future. Her goals include:
- Pursuing a degree in computer science, focusing on artificial intelligence or cybersecurity.
- Continuing her work to raise awareness on digital safety.
- Volunteering to tutor refugees.
- Playing the violin as part of her school orchestra.
Her passion for helping others goes beyond Shield Seniors, reflecting her well-rounded commitment to making a positive societal impact.
✅ Advice to Families
Tejasvi’s key advice for families is simple yet powerful:
“Just make sure to check up on your loved ones. Make sure that they’re staying safe online.”
Her message is a reminder that safeguarding seniors is a shared responsibility and requires collective effort.
🎉” Tejasvi Manoj ” Role Model for Young Changemakers
Being named TIME’s Kid of the Year 2025 places Tejasvi Manoj among inspiring young leaders worldwide. Her story stands as a powerful example of how:
Innovation meets compassion.
A single idea can protect thousands.
Young individuals can make a tangible difference in society.
Her work inspires not just young people but the entire community to take action and protect the vulnerable from digital threats.
Tejasvi Manoj’s recognition celebrates not only her personal achievements but also the importance of digital literacy and safety in today’s interconnected world.
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Ambika Krishnamurthy is an education news writer dedicated to covering academic updates, exam alerts, policy changes, and student-centric stories. With a focus on clarity and reliability, she aims to keep readers informed about the latest developments in the education sector, helping students and educators stay ahead in their academic journeys.