Kids

Meet Tejasvi Manoj: TIME’s Kid of the Year Helping Protect Seniors from Cybercrime with Shield Seniors

by Alexa Villano
September 11, 2025

Shield Seniors was inspired by an online scam that almost victimized Tejasvi Manoj’s grandfather

When 17-year-old Tejasvi Manoj learned that her grandfather had almost fallen victim to an online scam, she knew she had to act. A suspicious email, supposedly from a family member, had asked for $2,000. Her grandfather was ready to send the money—until Tejasvi’s father intervened and confirmed the request was fake.

That close call became the inspiration behind Shield Seniors, Tejasvi’s mission-driven platform designed to protect older adults from cyber scams and fraud.

Shield Seniors was inspired by an online scam that almost victimized Tejasvi Manoj's grandfather — Photo from time

The Spark: A Scam Close to Home

Cybercrime is becoming more common, and older adults are among the most vulnerable. In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center recorded over 860,000 reports of online scams, with many victims aged 60 and above. Often less familiar with digital threats, seniors are easy targets for increasingly sophisticated schemes.

Motivated by her grandfather’s experience and the staggering statistics, Tejasvi, an Indian-American high school student from Texas, channeled her tech skills into building a resource specifically for older adults.

Building Shield Seniors

According to its website, Shield Seniors is “a mission-driven platform dedicated to protecting older adults from the growing threat of cyber scams and fraud. Our mission is to empower seniors to navigate the digital sphere with confidence and safety.”

The platform features an AI-powered app that provides step-by-step guidance on detecting and avoiding scams, using simple language and real-life examples. Although still in private beta, the project has already garnered national attention. TIME Magazine named Tejasvi its Kid of the Year, and she was invited to speak at multiple seminars—including a 2025 TEDx Talk.

Tejasvi recalled the first time she had spoken before a large audience.

“I remember going to my first seminar and I was super nervous,” she told the publication. “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.”

In a statement, TIME for Kids Editor-in-Chief Andrea Delbanco wrote of their choice: “At TIME, we regularly profile world leaders and next-generation changemakers. Kid of the Year elevates the very youngest, recognizing their accomplishments as they chart a course toward a brighter future.”

From Coding to Advocacy

Tejasvi’s passion for technology began early. With both parents working in IT, she grew up immersed in tech. She also took cybersecurity classes and was part of Cyber-Patriot, a national program sponsored by the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

“I code mostly in Java and Python, and a bit of HTML,” she shared. “I really love the fact that you can solve problems with your computer, and I really like creating.”

Mentored by industry professionals like Aarathi Rajamanickam, Tejasvi continues to refine Shield Seniors. She has even consulted with members of AARP, who welcomed her initiative and helped share her work across their networks.

“They gave me great feedback and posted about Shield Seniors on LinkedIn, which helped me connect with a broader audience.”

How It Works: A Safe Space for Seniors

Shield Seniors is built around five core features:

Learn – Offers clear, easy-to-understand information about common scams and how to identify them.
Ask – A chatbot assists users in evaluating suspicious emails or messages.
Analyze – Allows users to upload screenshots or messages for fact-checking.
Help – Provides FAQs and step-by-step guides on how to use the platform.
Report – Links to 14 government and private sites for official scam reporting.

Through these tools, Tejasvi hopes to make older adults feel less isolated—and more empowered.

“A lot of people feel embarrassed after getting scammed,” she said. “But it’s not your fault—it’s a learning experience. Reporting it can help protect others, too.”

Information about Shield Seniors is also available on its LinkedIn page.

Parenting in a Digital Age

Tejasvi’s story isn’t just about innovation. It’s a call to action for parents: when your child shows interest or talent, encourage it. Nurturing curiosity in tech—or any field—can lead to real-world impact.

In an era where screen time often gets a bad rap, Tejasvi is living proof that technology, when used with empathy, can be a powerful force for social good.

A Model for the Future

Shield Seniors also presents a scalable model for other countries seeking to address digital literacy among seniors. By equipping older adults with knowledge and confidence, we aren’t just protecting them—we’re helping them claim their place in the digital world.