It was a thing, yeah. The schools around here didn't care. Kids were all on their phones during class, walking through the halls, during lunch, etc. Teachers gave up telling them to put them away because the students ignored them and teachers have no authority anymore. They can ask nicely and that's the extent of their power (at least in my district).

It was quite the shock when the statewide ban happened. Parents and students alike are still complaining about it.