Mall rats targeted

A Gold Coast shopping centre's new policy to ban students during school hours - labelled by some as discriminatory and possibly illegal - is a good idea, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says.

Children in school uniform will be questioned and asked to leave Australia Fair Shopping Centre at Southport if they do not have a note from their school or a legitimate reason for being there.

The rules are aimed at reducing shoplifting and truancy but are likely to be challenged in the Anti-Discrimination Commission.