Local Play Blocked by EA Account Error

Hello,

I have a PS4 setup as a family device, so my children have sub accounts on the system.  They are unable to get past the title page as it tells them they need an EA account to play.

This is where things get confusing... 

The front of the box in the bottom left-hand corner says, "Persistent Internet Connection Required to Play", which we have and the system is always online.   No issue with this.

The back of the box in the big blue tag says "Online Play Optional*" with the asterisc saying, "*Online mulitiplayer requires a Playstation Plus Membership"  It also shows a blue tag of  1-2 local players (no internet required) and 2-24 network players.  The back of the box in the fine print area also says "You must be 13+ and have an internet connection and EA account to access online features."

All that is fine, but I don't want to access the Online Features and only play locally so no EA account is required if I don't want to access online features.  The FAQ page on EA's website also supports this by saying, "All local play features (solo play and local split screen), can be experienced with an internet connection only."  this can be found here:  https://www.ea.com/games/plants-vs-zombies/plants-vs-zombies-garden-warfare-2/news/essential-information-faq?setLocale=en-us

So, after explaining all that nonsense, how do I get past the title screen as the game's box and EA clearly state I can play this game with just an internet connection and DO NOT require PS+ or an EA account to play locally?