It’s different everywhere in the US. I grew up in California. Graduated HS 1989. My elementary and high schools were completely fenced in while the middle school i attended was not at the time, but has been for some time now. Even in high school it was a closed campus and only Seniors were allowed to leave at lunch if their parents signed off on it. It was called “Senior Privileges.” I had a friend that went to Highschool about 40mi from me and they had an open campus and everyone could leave at lunch. No clue how those decisions were made, but his HS had a literal smoking section on campus for students. The 80s were a different time.
Lol, one of the premier league commentators is Scottish and I can’t understand half of what he says. For some fun, watch the movie “Grabbers.” If you have a hard time with Scots, it’s drunken Scots. I recommend subtitles!!