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While substance use among most Canadian youth has fallen in recent years, nearly a quarter of survey respondents reported using cannabis in the past month, with just slightly fewer reporting cigarette smoking. Over 19 per cent had engaged in binge drinking.

The study did not measure the use of other substances.

The survey, the first of its kind in Canada, sheds light on the high prevalence of bullying, violence and discrimination trans and non-binary children face.

Out of a list of 29 forms of violence that included sexual assault, bullying and cyberbullying, the average respondent had experienced 11 of them.

“The more different kinds of violence they experience, the higher the odds they will fall into substance use,” said Saewyc.

The survey’s limitations include the need for a larger sample. But its key finding is that supportive families, friends and schools dramatically reduced rates of substance use, even for victims of violence and bullying.

For example, 61 per cent of respondents who felt they had no support from family or friends had smoked cigarettes in the past month. For youth who felt they had both, the usage rate dropped to 20 per cent.

Saewyc says it’s a clear message for parents of transgender and non-binary kids and a sign something has to be done about the “unacceptably high rates of violence against trans youth in Canada.“

“You need to accept and love your trans and non-binary kids and be that champion for them when society is maybe rejecting them,” she said.

zvescera@postmedia.com