I FIND it deplorable when anyone laughs at a joke about learning disabilities but could we do more when someone does make such a jibe rather than ignoring it?

The simple answer is yes.

Charity Enable Scotland has started a new hard-hitting campaign which aims to stop spiteful language against people with learning disabilities.

And they haven't shied away from reminding us of the offensive language they want to stop -words like "spaz," "freak" and "retard".

I'm behind its #bethechange campaign 100% - it's long overdue.

Hateful words have been casually used in schools, offices, pubs, in the street and even in living rooms for too long.

People with learning disabilities have always been a target for bullies - whether it's Jimmy Carr making a joke about people with Down's Syndrome or a group of teenagers at the bus stop making fun of their classmate.

Around 90% of people with learning disabilities in Scotland have been subjected to abusive language. Why should they have to put up with it?

In a recent TV interview a member of Enable Scotland Michael Greechan said that when he looks at somebody he sees the person not the disability.

Those people who judge someone for looking or acting differently would do well to remember this.

Similarly, you may think insulting your friend by calling him or her a "mongo" is harmless fun but it's part of the problem. It's time to think before you speak.

Rather than focusing on the victims, it is right that the attention has to be on the people who are abusive.

They need to be told it's not acceptable.

In the past few months I've noticed a call to action from charities and campaign groups.

LAST month we reported how anti-discrimination charity See Me is asking members of the public to do their bit to end mental health stigma.

Anorexia sufferer Leanne McKillop spoke out about the stigma she has faced, including at work, in a psychiatric hospital - where she was told to eat chocolate - and from family members.

The charity says nine out of 10 people with mental health problems still suffer from discrimination in work, education, health care and at home.

Again why should these victims put up with it?

Although it's helpful for campaigners to spur on change, we shouldn't just wait for them.

I'm sick of people thinking they can say what they want online, as well as in the real world.

I've seen racism and sexism on Twitter - which all amounts to bullying.

Since it's anti-bullying week we should all look at ways of changing attitudes and standing up to bullies. It's no joke.