By Aaron Ricadela

Gadgets That Set Boundaries

Programmable car keys, location-aware cell phones, and more customizable PC and smartphone operating systems are giving parents new ways of tracking and restricting where their kids wander—online and in the real world. When it comes to keeping tabs on children, there are products aimed at a variety of ages. Disney’s (DIS) new Netpal mini-laptops aim at early grade-schoolers, Ford’s (F) MyKey sets speed limits on teen drivers, and Symantec’s (SYMC) OnlineFamily.Norton software can keep tabs on Web browsing by kids of any age. Here’s a look at some of the software, car, and cell-phone technology parents can use to make sure their offspring stay on the straight and narrow.