Mental health concerns raised after flying social worker discovers remote youth are suffering from FOMO

Life for kids and teens on outback stations often plagued by drought is already tough, but social media has made it worse for some.

They often struggle with FOMO — fear of missing out.

On the dusty and dry North Well station in South Australia’s far north, 19-year-old station hand Jacqui Couzner musters cattle.

Throughout the day, she checks her phone for updates on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter.

Most of her friends live in Adelaide, a whopping seven-hour drive away.