As VCE exams approach, Year 12 students in Melbourne are embracing a surprisingly unconventional way to tackle stress: smashing things! The Smash Room, a local break room facility, has become a haven for teens looking to blow off steam and escape the pressures of exam season and digital overload.
“It’s like a pressure valve for these kids,” says Rick Bazerghi, owner of The Smash Room. “They come in wound up like springs and leave with a sense of calm.”
So how does it work? Participants don protective gear and let loose by destroying various objects in a safe, controlled environment. What’s truly fascinating is who’s taking advantage of these sessions.
“I never thought I’d be the type to encourage my kids to break things,” laughs Mark J, father of two Year 12 students. “But after seeing how relaxed and focused they were afterwards, I’m really glad we tried it. It’s comforting to know we can come back if they start to feel overwhelmed again.”
Parents across Melbourne are increasingly worried about how social media is affecting their kids’ mental health, and many are actively seeking out alternatives. The Smash Room provides a tangible break from screens—a rarity in our digital age.
One Melbourne mum shared her experience: “My two teenage daughters came home completely transformed. It’s like they left their stress behind in the rubble.”
Educators are also taking notice. A group of 12 teachers from Gladstone Park Secondary College recently visited The Smash Room to explore ways to help students prepare for the intense exam period ahead.
“We’ve noticed that students who participate in smash sessions are more focused during exams,” reports Mr. Davis, a senior teacher at the school. “It’s an unexpected but welcome addition to our stress-management toolkit.”
Even university social groups at RMIT and Melbourne Uni are joining the movement, partnering with The Smash Room to raise awareness of its benefits.
In response to rising demand, The Smash Room has opened a second venue, featuring eight rooms that can accommodate over 60 students at once. Despite economic challenges, bookings are on the rise as parents prioritize their children's mental well-being.
As screens continue to dominate teenage life, The Smash Room offers a refreshing, analogue solution to a distinctly modern problem. For Melbourne’s stressed Year 12 students, sometimes the best way to piece together peace of mind is to break a few things apart.
