Netflix has announced the launch date for the second season of controversial teen suicide drama, 13 Reasons Why, with a polarising trailer. 

The controversial 2017 show, which follows high school student Hannah Baker who leaves audio cassette recordings to her 13 friends documenting the reasons why she decided to end her life, is set to return to the streaming giant on May 18 (US time). 

In the clip, released on Twitter on Tuesday, the first season's key characters are seen frozen as hundreds of polaroid images float around them. 

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Dylan Minnette as Clay Jenkins in 13 Reasons Why

As the camera pans past, the pictures overlap their faces, seeming to show what's really going on inside them - the nasty truths they've tried to hide. Lead character Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) is overlaid with a picture of Hannah (Katherine Langford), the girl who died by suicide in season one. 

READ MORE:
* 13 Reasons Why: New Zealand audience key to show's second season
* Controversial series 13 Reasons Why continues to dominate Kiwis' screen time
* What I learnt from watching 13 Reasons Why with my teenage son
* 13 Reasons Why glorifies suicide
* 13 Reasons Why: A reality check
* 13 Reasons Why prompts warnings

13 Reason Why sparked furious debate in the US and New Zealand for its frank, and often brutal, depiction of depression and suicide. 

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Season one of 13 Reasons Why had the chief censor and mental health advocates concerned but teens love it.

In New Zealand, outcry about the show's accessibility prompted the NZ Censor's office to create a new rating specifically for the show - RP18, which requires people under the age of 18 to watch with an adult.  

A study conducted in 2017 found that young Kiwis are more than likely to reach out to someone after watching 13 Reasons Why. 

How teens' parents responded to Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, an international study conducted by the Centre on Media and Human Development at Northwestern University, surveyed more than 5000 teens, young adults and parents in four regions of the world - 1300 of whom came from Australia and New Zealand.

The study found that 13 Reasons Why resonated with all young people, who said they felt that it was beneficial for them and people their age to watch.  In all four regions where the study was taken - The US, UK, NZ/Australia and Brazil - adolescents and young adults said that following the show, they were more likely to seek information about tough topics.

Where to get help
Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354
Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757
Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116
Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz
0800 WHATSUP children's helpline - phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day.
Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.
Your local Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
Alcohol Drug Help (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.

For further information, contact the Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812).

Where to get help, sexual violence
Rape Crisis - 0800 88 33 00 (24hr service), click link for information on local helplines
Victim Support - 0800 842 846 (24hr service)
The Harbour, online support and information for people affected by sexual abuse
Women's Refuge (Females only) - crisis line available on 0800 733 843
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust (Males only), Helplines across NZ, click to find out more

If you are in danger, or are being subjected to sexual violence, call 111.

 - Stuff