Young inventors have contributed countless ideas that have shaped our modern world. Many of these ingenious creations stem from a youthful desire to improve life for everyone. Some young creators tackled serious issues faced by adults, leading to solutions that still resonate today. Here are six inventions by children that have had a profound influence on society:

1. Braille

Louis Braille became blind at the age of three due to a severe eye infection. For years, he struggled to read raised letters, which was quite challenging. At 12, he discovered a silent communication method utilized by the French military, simplifying his reading process. By the time he turned 15, Louis had developed a system of dots that formed the Braille language, aiding visually impaired individuals. By 1850, Braille was officially taught in French schools for the blind.

2. Early Television

Philo Farnsworth, a technical genius from a young age, invented early television. At 15, he began conceptualizing an electronic television system and by 1927, he successfully transmitted the first image using his invention. By the age of 21, he had created the world's first electronically produced image and amassed over 100 patents related to television technology.

3. Earmuffs

Fed up with cold ears while ice skating, 15-year-old Chester Greenwood designed earmuffs in 1877. He crafted a wire frame and his grandmother helped sew beaver skin around it, keeping his ears warm. Initially ridiculed by friends, the earmuffs gained popularity, leading to improvements and mass production. By 1936, Chester’s company produced 400,000 Champion Ear Protectors.

4. Swim Fins

At just 11 years old, Benjamin Franklin envisioned swim fins in 1717. Passionate about swimming, he crafted wooden fins with sandal straps to enhance his speed. Unlike modern fins worn on the feet, Franklin's were used on the hands. His contributions to swimming were recognized with his induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968.

5. Popsicles

In 1905, Frank Epperson, a young boy from San Francisco, accidentally created popsicles. He mixed sugar soda powder with water and left it outside overnight with a stirring stick inside. The next day, he enjoyed a frozen treat he named “Episcle.” Eventually, he patented his invention in 1924 and sold it as the first ice lolly, later known as popsicles.

6. Christmas Lights

Before electric lights, candles adorned Christmas trees, often leading to fires. While Thomas Edison and Edward Johnson pioneered electric lights, Albert Sadacca, at around 12 years old, recognized the potential for electric Christmas lights. Following a devastating fire in 1917, he convinced his family to produce colored lights, popularizing their use for holiday celebrations.