Here’s another fad for mothers of teenage daughters to add to their list of no-nos. Although I thought I had been over my cybersex stage since the sixth grade, it has re-entered my life in a whole new way — via text messaging.

At least this time it doesn’t involve creepy child predators and online chat rooms (or am I the only one who went through the chat room phase?). Luckily for me, there are always new discoveries to be made.

I was actually pretty skeptical about going into my most recent sexting engagement. In fact, I was quite turned off by the idea of it. Who in their right mind wants to relive those awkward pubescent years? Plus, how can having make-believe “sexy time” compensate for the real thing? Wouldn’t it just leave me feeling that much more unsatisfied after all is said, texted and done?

When in doubt, consult the single most resourceful apparatus of knowledge our generation has to offer: the iPhone. At the tip of my finger, I browsed through the latest iPhone apps to see if they have recognized the growing number of sexting fiends. Surprisingly, they have not. Come on, Apple, you guys really need to get on board here.

Of course, textual intercourse will never make up for real-life copulation. But why must we compare? As homework piles up, I need some way of escaping the feeling of being caged up in the library with the rest of you. Besides, we all have human needs that we mustn’t ignore, especially during stressful times.

Lo and behold, it turns out modern day sexting is actually, well, fun. And I’m not going to lie, it’s kind of hot, too. Perhaps it depends on who your sexting partner is, but mine was what some may call a sext-pert. He took creative writing to a whole new level and, as an English major, I could appreciate the eloquence of his sexts.

Are you finding yourself in a similar predicament? Care to give it a go? Here are some cautionary tips for you future sexters out there:

As a forewarning, sexting can become highly addictive if you are not careful. Remember, there is a time and place for everything. During class is neither the time, nor the place. Did you ever hear of that saying, “being in it?” You know, that mindset you just can’t seem to shake? Well, that’s where sexting becomes problematic. Sure, you can certainly try to get your mind out of the gutter. But that becomes nearly impossible when everything your professor says turns into sexual innuendos or phallic images of some sort — both of which are distracting and incredibly disturbing.

Warning numero dos: Do not operate heavy machinery while under the influence of sexting. The roads are dangerous enough thanks to the geniuses out there who think they are so infallible that they can drive without looking at the road. Well, you might as well throw back a few shots of Everclear if you think you can handle sexting behind the wheel, too.

On the other hand, if you are not on the road, feel free to get as intoxicated as you’d like before partaking in 100 percent risk-free sex. No matter how shitfaced you may be, you never have to wake up the next morning worrying about condom breakage or getting bit by the nasty love bug. Not really such a bad deal, huh?

Once again, I am in no way advocating a substitution for flesh-on-flesh contact. My only hope is that it has helped at least one miserable, sleep-deprived student get through the semester. Good luck to all, and sext away!