think of the children

Definitions

1. An appeal to suspend rational consideration of an issue owing to its presumptive negative effects on the young and impressionable; usually in ironic or mocking parody of another's argumentum ad passiones or moral panic.
   imperative, usually
2. A sincere plea to consider the young.
   imperative, usually

Examples

“For quotations using this term, see⟳ Citations:think⟳ of the children.”

“Mrs Banks: Katie Nanna, I beseech you. Please⟳ reconsider. Think⟳ of the children. Think⟳ of Mr Banks. He was just beginning to get⟳ used to you.”

“In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge⟳ my colleagues to have⟳ the courage to set⟳ aside the status quo, to think⟳ of the children and families of this Nation and to embrace real reform⟳. I urge⟳ a 'yes' vote⟳ on both sides of the aisle for this rule⟳ and the conference report⟳.”

CEFR level