Citing the interests of children can be used to justify why something should, or should not, be done. When used as a plea for pity, this appeal to emotion can constitute a potential logical fallacy, while when used as an appeal for sympathy for weaker members of society, or the social good of the long-term health and viability of a society, it can constitute an argument for social justice generally accepted as appropriate.

It can be seen as:
An argument for the protection of children from the exigencies of capitalism or of the adult world in general, such as child labor, military use of children, or other forms of child abuse.
An argument for children's rights such as access to education and the right to thrive.
a political tool
a rhetorical phrase (e.g. "but think of the children")
an appeal to emotion
a rationalization or justification