Dictionary

think of the children en · VERB

(as an interjection, imperative, usually) 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.
- For quotations using this term, see Citations:think of the children.
(imperative, usually) A sincere plea to consider the young.
- 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. 1996 July 31, Deborah Pryce, “Conference Report on H.R. 3734, Personal Responsibility and Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996”, in Congressional Record, volume 142, United States Government Printing Office, page H9392-H9424:
- 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. 1964, Bill Walsh et al., Mary Poppins, Walt Disney Pictures:

Spelling	Features	Labels	Source
won't someone think of the children		alternative	lexicographic
what about the children		alternative	lexicographic
thinks of the children	Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres		lexicographic
thinking of the children	Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part		lexicographic
thought of the children	Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part		lexicographic
thought of the children	Tense=Past		lexicographic