A Scout getting big-time recognition doesn’t surprise regular readers of this blog. But the way Scouts change the world is always astonishing. That’s the case with TIME‘s 2025 Kid of the Year.
Tejasvi Manoj, an Eagle Scout from Texas, saw a problem and, in true Scout spirit, she didn’t accept it.
Manoj’s grandfather was nearly tricked by a phone scam demanding money from the 85-year-old. For many families, a simple “Grandpa, be careful” would be the end of the story. But Manoj wanted to do better than that.
She studied how scammers operate and asked a bigger question: “How can I make sure other seniors don’t go through this?”
Fraud that targets seniors is a major issue. TIME reports, “In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 860,000 reports of scams, with potential losses exceeding $16 billion.”
Manoj, at just 16 years old, created Shield Seniors, a cybersecurity web platform designed for older adults.
Her goal was to avoid a website filled with jargon and complicated instructions. Manoj, who coded the site herself, made accessibility for seniors her focus. Visitors to the site will note large fonts and an easy user experience. Users learn the basics of online safety and can leverage AI to analyze suspicious messages. These resources also help seniors with step-by-step instructions for reporting scams.
Manoj even takes the project offline, hosting workshops at senior centers to walk attendees through red flags to watch out for in scams. This is what we find exceptionally inspiring about her mission. She’s taking huge steps to meet people who need help right where they are.
Manoj in the news
Manoj is joining a legacy of Scouts earning this monumental honor. In fact, TIME‘s first-ever Kid of the Year, Gitanjali Rao, was also a Scout.
But not only has Manoj landed TIME‘s Kid of the Year; she’s also presented a TEDx talk, earned an honorable mention in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge and been named a Mark Cuban Foundation AI student ambassador.
And this Scout’s plate is full! Before building Shield Seniors, Manoj was holding down her spot on the school orchestra (she plays violin). Beyond school, she has devoted time to tutoring Bhutanese refugees online in math and English through Vibha, a nonprofit focused on education and workforce development in India. She also serves closer to home, helping guide the North Texas Food Bank Young Advocates Council.
On top of all that, Manoj stays active in Scouting and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 261 of Plano, Texas.
How to support Manoj’s mission
Meaningful change often begins with a personal story. Manoj didn’t set out to build a global initiative. She just cared about her grandfather and people like him.
“Just make sure to check up on your loved ones,” Manoj’s told TIME when asked what advice she has for others. “Make sure that they’re staying safe online.”
So how can you join in? Follow Manoj’s advice above and check in on any seniors you know. Share Shield Seniors resources with them. And help spread Manoj’s great story in your community.
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