People are usually quick to blame TV, complaining that kids are playing less because they’re watching TV more. A new study suggests the truth may be even worse. The study, published in the July/August issue of Child Development, found that kids play significantly less if they’re simply in a room in which a TV is turned on, even if they’re not trying to watch it and even if it’s turned to adult programming. Under these conditions, the kids observed in the study, who were all three years old or younger, played for about five percent less time than when a TV wasn’t turned on. For more on contremporary threats to play–and suggestions for how to revive play–you can check out Greater Good's recent play issue.