Each year, TIME puts out a call looking for young leaders ages 8-16 from a variety of fields. After sifting through hundreds of applications, TIME staff and TIME for Kids Kid Reporters weigh in on honorees, choosing one Kid of the Year and several honorees.
Last year, a 15-year-old from Virginia was chosen for his research on affordable soap that could deliver cancer medication.
This year, the Kid of the Year comes from our own backyard. Then 16-year-old Tejasvi Manoj was selected for her creation of a website that is designed to educate the 60-plus demographic about online scams after her grandfather nearly fell victim to a $2,000 online scam back in February.
What started as a way to help older adults like her grandfather landed Manoj an honorable mention in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge, a 2025 TEDxPlano talk, TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2025 and a spot as the guest of honor in the upcoming Plano Holiday Parade.
The 2025 Plano Holiday Parade, presented by the Rotary Clubs of Plano, will take place near Downtown Plano on Dec. 13.
We chatted with Manoj about the accolades, her website and what to look out for for online scams.
Tell us a little about being selected for TIME Kid of the Year. What was the process like? What was your reaction to the news?
A few months ago, I submitted an online application on their website. They reached out for an interview, and I assumed it would just be a feature on their magazine about older adults and cybersafety. I was thrilled — TIME is such a prestigious organization, and I knew an article on this topic could make a real impact.
Then, just twelve hours before the feature was set to release, I found out I was TIME’s 2025 Kid of the Year. I got the news at school over the phone after seeing their email, the very first line read: “Congratulations! You are the TIME 2025 Kid of the Year!” Shock doesn’t even begin to describe it — I completely blacked out, missed my bus and had to figure out how to get home. But once it sank in, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude, even though it still didn’t feel real.
When you created Shield Seniors, did you ever imagine it would turn into a TEDx talk and a TIME feature?
I had no idea! Shield Seniors began as a way to help my grandfather feel safe online after he almost fell for a scam. I wanted to spread the word about this overlooked topic, so I started sharing it with as many people as I could. I never imagined it would grow into something recognized by TEDx or TIME, but I am so eternally grateful. What keeps me motivated isn’t the recognition: it’s the older adults who tell me the app helped them feel more confident using technology. It’s the people who have told me the struggles that they have faced with their loved ones and how they fell for scams. It is the realization that I am doing it all for them.
What does it mean to you to be a guest of honor in the Plano Holiday Parade?
It means so much to me! Plano has been one of my biggest cheerleaders — from giving me the chance to speak at TEDxPlano to supporting the TIME Magazine shoot at Davis Library and the CBS News segment at Sam Johnson Recreation Center. The City even honored me with a Proclamation for Shield Seniors. Being in the Plano Holiday Parade feels like a full-circle moment with the community that’s always believed in me.
Do you have a message for teens like you wanting to use their talents to effect change?
Make sure to stay curious and lead with compassion. Shield Seniors began from a simple dream — to help my grandfather stay safe online — and it grew into something far bigger than I imagined. You don’t need a perfect idea to make an impact; you just need the courage to start. Every small act of kindness or innovation can lead to change, and sometimes even the smallest changes can make a huge difference.
Do you have a message for our readers on the importance of cyber safety for all ages?
Staying safe online and learning cyber safety matters for everyone, no matter how tech-savvy you think you are. The technology landscape is ever-changing, and scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people. Education and awareness are the strongest defenses. Thinking before you click and talking to close ones about online safety is essential. Technology has the power to build bridges, but it can also create barriers, so using it responsibly ensures that connection stays safe and empowering for all generations.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
