The fact that this cry has been used illegitimately many times, one should not conclude that nothing should be done to protect children. In fact, some things legitimately are for the children.
I think there is sufficient objective evidence on the subject that it merits serious consideration and discussion, rather than a mocking dismissal.
The fact that "CHILDREN" are used as pawns in so many arguments calls into suspicion every such use. If the cause is legitimate it should be easy to argue the cause without making CHILDREN the pawns.