Why is the Screen Time Passcode required after tapping Reset Network Settings and entering my iPhone Passcode?

Trying to reset my backup encryption password but the steps needed to reset Network Settings to do that inexplicably also require a Screen Time Passcode in addition to my iPhone Unlock Passcode.

Since I don't even remember ever creating a Screen Time Passcode, I tried the Forgot My Screen Time Passcode function described here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211021. It doesn't work on my iPhone 6S running 15.1 iOS. Entering my Apple ID and Password results in a Failed Screen Time Passcode Attempt. Every time.

So the result is I can't create an encrypted backup of my iPhone on my computer using iTunes. Sure, I could backup using iCloud - but I don't want to have to manage/buy more iCloud storage, and I'd prefer to keep my encrypted backup offline. And if a feature/function is offered, shouldn't it work?

C'mon Apple. Please help. What am I doing wrong? And why is the Screen Time Passcode even connected to the Reset Network Settings function? Perhaps Think Different on that? Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide!