What is the ruling on kissing young children who have not reached puberty for the purpose of memorizing the Qur'an, and does the ruling differ between males and females, or between kissing on the mouth, cheek, or face?

Kissing a young child (male or female) on the cheek or head, out of compassion and mercy, is permissible and a Sunnah, as long as it is not done with lust. Kissing a handsome beardless youth is absolutely forbidden, with the exception of parents and similar mahrams (unmarriageable kin) when done out of compassion. Kissing on the mouth is not permissible because it is a place where lust is suspected. As for a mature student who is desired, or one who has reached an age where he might be desired, it is not permissible to touch or kiss him. It is advisable to avoid kissing students over ten years old, as this might be a source of lust or temptation. Students should be rewarded with praise and prizes instead of kissing.