Netflix must warn viewers the new season of 13 Reasons Why contains rape, suicide themes, drug use, and bullying.

The Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) has slapped the controversial teen drama's second season with the same RP18 rating it gave the first.

That classification means someone under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult when watching the series. It comes with a requirement that Netflix warn viewers before the show plays that what they're about to watch contains rape, suicide themes, drug use, and bullying.

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Dylan Minnette stars in 13 Reasons Why.

The OFLC created the RP18 rating last year specifically for the first season of 13 Reasons Why. Chief censor David Shanks said the second season, which is out on May 18, had similar issues to the first.

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"There is a strong focus on rape and suicide in Season 2, as there was in Season 1. We have told Netflix it is really important to warn NZ audiences about that," Shanks said.

"Rape is an ugly word for an ugly act. But young New Zealanders have told us that if a series contains rape – they want to know beforehand."

The OFLC arrived at its rating after watching the second season of 13 Reasons and consulting with the Mental Health Foundation. Netflix is required to clearly display the classification and warning.

Shanks recommended parents and caregivers watch the show with their children, or at the same time. "That way you can at least try to have informed and constructive discussions with them about the content," he said.

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The chief censor warns parents they need to support their children if they're going to watch 13 Reasons Why.

For parents and caregivers who don't have time to watch the entire series, the OFLC and Mental Health Foundation have produced an episode-by-episode guide with synopses of problematic content, and conversation starters to have with teens. This will be available on both organisations' websites from 7pm on May 18.

Shanks said the OFLC had no problem with content being produced for young people that addressed issues in a realistic way.

"But what we are concerned with is whether this material is actually realistic, and delivered in a safe and responsible manner. Many young people will watch 13 Reasons Why: Season 2 and not be negatively influenced by it – in some cases it could have value in starting conversations about real issues for teens.

"But if a young person is suicidal, they are not in a rational state of mind and their thinking is likely to be distorted. Vulnerable young viewers are more likely to be impacted by any of the misleading or traumatising content in the series. "

"Approximately one in five young New Zealanders will have experienced a mental health problem in the last year, whilst one in three girls, and one in seven boys will be subjected to a sexual assault.

"This is the audience we are worried about – individuals who have been personally affected by the issues in the series. Suicide bereavement and sexual assault are both recognised risk factors for suicide. Young viewers in a heightened state of distress will be more vulnerable to the impact of the show – they can be put at risk by viewing it.

"This is a series that is about teens, it's been made for teens, and it's marketed very strongly and effectively at teens. And we know that the majority of teenagers in this country have watched Season 1. Season 2 has a similar overall feel to Season 1 and it raises more issues that are relevant to teens."

The OFLC released a guide for to help parents talk about challenging content with their kids ahead of the second series debut.

"The current picture about what our kids can be exposed to online is grim. We need to get that message across to parents that they need to help young people with this sort of content," Shanks said.

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